As I recall my time at the Waldorf=Astoria in New York City, I am reminded of the vigorous training course that introduced me to the Hilton family. A mandatory introduction course, it was, but not one, that anyone could call ordinary. A weeklong, deep dive into the Hilton way of life, it was a ceremony of initiation to the tribe, a transition to the culture, and a journey to self-discovery.
The training was spearheaded by a certain James Reid, Director of Training, who was quite a mentor, and friend, I must say. Coming from Germany, where had completed 2 apprenticeships and spent 5 long years with Intercontinental- and Steigenberger Hotels I must admit that such kind of training was alien to me.
Back then, in the early years of my career, training was more focused on specific skills and daily work processes. Nothing quite like what I had experienced with Hilton Hotels. Only Hyatt, Marriott and Hilton International offered that kind of impressive trainings. But that was just the beginning. As I progressed through my career, Hilton continued to provide excellent platforms for skill training related to my field of work. The company also identified and selected me for special training in leadership and self-development, even going as far as sending me to Cornell University’s CPD program and selected courses with UCLA.
The learning experiences were phenomenal, and the materials I gathered are still as modern today as they were back then.
Eager to improve, I attended a 7 day seminar in 1993. It would change my life forever. Anthony Robbins “Date with destiny” took place in Long Beach, California. It cost me an arm and a leg, it was worth every penny. The lessons I learned from that seminar, combined with the teachings from the book “Awaken the Giant within” had a very positive impact on me.
You well know that there are hundreds, if not thousands of self-help and self-improvement books out there. In bookshops around the world and even more online. Trust me, they probably are all good and valuable, but they repackage much of the content of “Awaken the Giant within,’ or another self-help classic: “Think and grow rich” by Napoleon Hill.
Both books are must reads on your journey to self-discovery. You should own the hardcopy, not the kindle version. The difference is like having a piece of cake in your hands and eating it or just seeing it on TV. If you want to achieve your goals, in your career and personal life, then those two books should be in your arsenal.
Napoleon Hill’s classic “Think and grow rich” may be a bit difficult to read, but it’s worth the effort. Tony Robbins “Awaken the Giant within” relates exactly to the same principles but is much more detailed in the way it explains personal life, career planning and achieving your dreams and goals. It is complex and probably requires repeated reading, not only that but also application of the teachings. Most importantly: taking action.
Both books have found a permanent place in my library and on my desk. They are actually falling apart because of repeated reading over the years.
In conclusion, my dear colleagues, remember, that you are the architect of your life and career. No one else. You will make good decisions and some not so good. The books I have recommended are but a guide, a source of inspiration, and a source of never-ending motivation. They will help you to find out what you really want and how to get it. The journey ahead may be long and exiting, but with the right attitude, you will achieve your goals. So, go ahead and awake the giant that sleeps within you!
Yours truly,
Helmut H Meckelburg
PS: My Website is available in any language through Google – follow the link, select website, and choose your language. My site will then be available in your language.