Brain Research: Positive Attitude Improves Performance

Recent neuroimaging research has confirmed negative social-emotional responses interfere with developing positive thoughts, feelings and high cognitive performance. [link below to video] I realize many of you who are regular visitors are saying, "Like duh dude, everyone knows what you think is what you get."

Yet, why do so many people struggle with being more positive about life and why are so many people taking drugs for anxiety, depression and a variety of emotional/behavioral disorders? Academics, psychologists and scientists have continued to believe, profess and attack the positive attitude community as nothing but some pseudo-science with only anecdotal evidence and no definitive research. 

Neuroimaging Research Provides Proof

Up until just a few years ago, even the neuro-scientists believed the brain to be a static organ and could not generate new brain cells. It is now a fact the brain does continue to regenerate new brain cells throughout life. This is proven with neuroplasticity, which explores how, and in which ways the brain changes throughout life. This ongoing growth of new neural pathways and synapses, confirms, no matter the age, if we change the way we think, the brain can change it's structure, become more flexible and improve brain functions for better memory, attention, speed, and problem solving. If this were not so, then how is it possible for a twenty-something to grow and develop into a mature fifty-something?

4 Most Common Behaviors Of Ineffective Leaders

For a servant leader this INC article is good reading to do a checkup and refinement. For an ineffective leader who masquerades, as an effective leader, this should be a wake-up call.

Authentic servant leaders will take a moment to think through these behaviors while the ineffective leader probably isn't reading the article in the first place.

In this article by Les McKeown, his experience with ineffective CEOs reveals these behaviors:

1. The weaker the leader, the more they know.
2. The busier the leader, they don't spend quality time thinking strategically.
3. Their general perception of others is negative.
4. The weak leader is either in the room and dominating the conversation or they aren't in the room.

What I enjoy about articles like this is it appears in a publication that has many readers who are not in the leadership role. For them, it gives them a way to measure whether they are working with an ineffective or effective leader. 

That is important for continually learning servant leaders because it confirms that not only are you being watched, followers are learning how to measure your leadership.

Think about it.

~ Alan Goldsberry, Author and CEO of ZFactor Group Publishing

Glowing Embers - A Little Idea Sets Off a Roaring Fire

I love to play with a good campfire. I love everything about getting the campfire started - that's probably why I've done so many start-ups and love working with folks making something new happen.

I've got some great stories about building campfires in all sorts of weather conditions, but the absolute best memories are all the friendships made and deepened around a good campfire. I'm an Eagle Scout, my two sons are Eagles, as is an older brother and many other friends - all Eagle Scouts. So, between Scouts and all the other camping trips I've done as an adult, I've built a fair number of campfires. And, will be doing that this weekend as we head out for a campout with good friends. Some gourmet cooking, great wine and a good campfire to get warm and cozy.

A well built campfire starts with good dry bits of kindling. I've seen many novices take a little paper, add some big pieces of wood on top and set a match to the paper. When the paper quickly burns out they look for more paper or lighter fluid and give it another go. The best method is to start tiny, then a couple of small twigs and then little bit bigger twigs. As a flame gets going, add a bit bigger twigs and then some small sticks - until you hear the snap and crackle of the sticks. You've now got a fire to begin building. Just like anything else, you always have to start small, first.

There's something magical about a good campfire. People are drawn into the campfire, especially as it burns down to the glowing embers. My wife loves to imagine herself being small and walking through an ember forest. A good campfire left undisturbed overnight, will be ready to fire up in the morning. Initially the embers are covered with a light gray ash, yet with a little kindling and a few puffs on the glowing embers, a bit of smoke appears and then a flame. I love to watch small children and even some older adults as they see a new fire be born, with just a little bit of effort.

So, it goes with Glowing Embers. They may be covered with a little ash, but give them a kindling of an idea and a little bit of breeze and they can burst into a raging campfire, once again. Get those fires a'ragin'.

God Bless,

~ Alan Goldsberry, Author and CEO of ZFactor Group Publishing

Glowing Embers Refreshed

Updating this blog post for folks in APE: Authors, Publishers, Entrepreneurs Community. I highly recommend you check it out if you have not joined the community and you are an aspiring or accomplished author.

I have noted several postings in the community about having a book in me or I know I want to write a book, someday. Maybe this will give you a little perspective and inspiration to get 'er done.

A Glowing Ember defines people who have genuinely lived with "fire in the belly" and have sustainable success to prove it. Their stories of success inspire others yet the challenges they have overcome astound and leave you in a sense of awe and wonder for how they did it. They have lived through those times when their "fire in the belly" consumed all of them - body, mind, heart, and soul. Many have endured a crucible life event, some medical, others physical and mental. In the midst of this time of "personal quest" or "crucible" they expanded their capacity and capabilities for doing good while pursuing their dreams and passions. And now, many of these once "fire in the bellies" driven to accomplish big goals have become glowing embers covered by a fine dust of ash. Whether by their choosing or a society slowly learning to honor and respect this vast wisdom, knowledge and expertise available for achieving greatness, only imagined. Herein lays a vast untapped human and spiritual potential never seen before and ready to become a roaring fire again.

A light breeze blowing across these glowing embers can ignite forest fires of possibilities for doing good, contributing to and serving others. The release of this potential has been longed for by all of humanity and imagined as possible throughout all history. It is no longer the dreams of prophets and writings of the philosophers. These possibilities for doing good for others have become the reality within every neighborhood, workplace, place of worship,  and school across the entire planet. Many of these Glowing Embers are fully engaged in this fast paced techno-mobile world and glowing ever brighter - attracting the attention of authentic leaders. Others may need an authentic leader to recognize them and be that light breeze of encouragement to bring forth their untapped potential.

Throughout all history, Glowing Embers are the mark of an aging and maturing population. The distinction today is the vast numbers of Glowing Embers who are healthy and highly capable with the wisdom and capacity to imagine the possibilities and take the necessary actions to make it happen. They envision and embody a sense of servant-hood, mentoring, and servant-leadership. All the traits, behaviors and characteristics truly recognized as essential for creating value. They expect to continue to be actively using knowledge, skills, and expertise they have acquired over a lifetime and they are continually learning. It is who they are, where they are, what they do and have always been.

This xy graph (ZMap) presents how a Glowing Ember is positioned for mastery to mentor others and be builders of other leaders and communities as they refine their skills to now apply their highly developed capabilities and match that with an expansive capacity for managing change and dealing with the uncertainties of life and organization.


Glowing Embers have achieved success, most often unnoticed and without acknowledgement as to the impact and results they produced for their organizations. They do what they do, not driven by the need for fame and fortune, but because it is who they are. They are Value Creators. They have developed and refined essential skills and behaviors with intensity and focus on excellence. Most of all they care deeply about making a difference in every situation they find themselves. They embody the core values of the organization without compromise to their personal values and consistently exceed expectations.

Glowing Embers desire to be part of making big things happen that make a difference for others, their neighborhoods, communities, and the planet. Take a moment to consider who the Glowing Embers are near you. You may be one yourself.

This topic will be explored more deeply in upcoming blog posts and XY Glowing Embers will be recognized and acknowledged in order to more clearly distinguish who they are and what they are doing today to make a difference. If you have any suggestions or want to share your Glowing Ember story, please feel welcome to provide your comments.

Are you a Glowing Ember? Interested in discussing a collaboration with ZFactor Group Publishing to publish a book related to your area of business expertise? Click here for more info on the ZFactor Group website.

~ Alan Goldsberry, Author and CEO of ZFactor Group Publishing

Are You a Glowing Ember?

A Glowing Ember defines people who have genuinely lived with "fire in the belly" and have sustainable success to prove it. Their stories of success inspire others yet the challenges they have overcome astound and leave you in a sense of awe and wonder for how they did it. They have lived through those times when this "fire in the belly" has consumed all of them - body, mind, heart, and soul. Many have endured a crucible life event, some medical, others physical and mental. And now, many of these once "fire in the bellies" driven to accomplish big goals have become glowing embers covered by a fine dust of ash. Herein lays a vast untapped human and spiritual potential never seen before and ready to become a roaring fire again.

A light breeze blowing across these glowing embers can ignite forest fires of possibilities for doing good, contributing to and serving others. The release of this potential has been longed for by all of humanity and imagined as possible throughout all history. It is no longer the dreams of prophets and writings of the philosophers. These possibilities for doing good for others have become the reality within every neighborhood, workplace, church, and school across the entire planet. These Glowing Embers reside in every neighborhood, school, place of work, place of worship, and throughout the various community activities. Most of these Glowing Embers only need an authentic leader to recognize them and be that light breeze of encouragement to bring forth their untapped potential.

Throughout all history, Glowing Embers are the mark of an aging and maturing population. The distinction today is the vast numbers of Glowing Embers who are healthy and highly capable with the wisdom and capacity to imagine the possibilities and take the necessary actions to make it happen. They envision and embody a sense of servant-hood, mentoring, and leadership. All the traits, behaviors and characteristics truly recognized as essential for creating value. They expect to continue to be actively using knowledge, skills, and expertise they have acquired over a lifetime and they are continually learning.

This xy graph (ZMap) presents how a Glowing Ember is positioned for mastery to mentor others and be builders of other leaders and communities as they refine their skills to now apply their highly developed capabilities and match that with an expansive capacity for managing change and dealing with the uncertainties of life and organization.


Glowing Embers have achieved success, most often unnoticed and without acknowledgement as to the impact and results they produced for their organizations. They do what they do, not driven by the need for fame and fortune, but because it is who they are. They are Value Creators. They have developed and refined essential skills and behaviors with intensity and focus on excellence. Most of all they care deeply about making a difference in every situation they find themselves. They embody the core values of the organization without compromise to their personal values and consistently exceed expectations.

Glowing Embers desire to be part of making big things happen that make a difference for others, their neighborhoods, communities, and the planet. Take a moment to consider who the Glowing Embers are near you. You may be one yourself.

This topic will be explored more deeply in upcoming blog posts and XY Glowing Embers will be recognized and acknowledged in order to more clearly distinguish who they are and what they are doing today to make a difference. If you have any suggestions or want to share your Glowing Ember story, please feel welcome to provide your comments.

~ Alan Goldsberry, Author and CEO of ZFactor Group Publishing