For many modern companies, the technology team plays an integral part in the business. They're the ones who address critical problems, develop customer solutions and keep workflows moving with up-to-date tech tools.

It makes sense, then, that a leader should focus on keeping their tech team motivated and satisfied in their jobs. But how do you properly thank andencourage this hardworking group for their efforts?To find out more, we asked a panel ofForbes Technology Councilmembers how they keep their own tech teams happy.

1.Create A Culture Of Radical Transparency

I bend over backwards to make sure that there is radical transparency, where every single team member knows exactly what we are doing and why. I encourage brutal honesty to force discussions of the facts. Also, everyone is an owner. Every team member should treat the company like its their ship, and if they dont, they get off the ship. - Charles Silver,Permission.io Inc.

2. Share Their Impact On The Bigger Picture

It is imperative to the success of the entire organization that the tech team understand the impact their work has on the success of the company. Team members are motivated when they understand the overarching goals of the business and how their individual contributions play into achieving these goals. And just as important and warranted is celebrating their impacts and contributionslarge and small. - Kam Eshghi,Lightbits Labs

3.Connect Their Work To A Meaningful Purpose

The best way to sustain team motivation and happiness ultimately requires working on meaningful projects. The sense of purpose and making a difference is what gets our tech team out of bed each day. In our agriculture projects, its knowing that what you are doing with technology architecture is fundamentally advancing farming practices around the world. - Mark Pryor,The Seam

4. Prioritize Professional Development And Accountability

Provide opportunities to expand their knowledge through training and different work assignments. Provide flexible work arrangements. Show your trust in them by holding them accountable and responsible for their decisions. - Ray Murphy,Leo Cyber Security

5. Promote Top Performers

Give them achievable goals that they can hit, and give them exciting new projects to work on and always show them the big vision of what impact they are making. Promote the top-performing people periodically. Finally, have 1-on-1 meetings weekly, and have a coaching and career plan. - Gaurav Bhattacharya,InvolveSoft

6. Clearly Articulate Goals

Our tech team is supremely talented. I find the best way to keep them motivated is to clearly articulate what the goal is, and whyand then give them space to get there! Something we're trying to get better at is better celebrations upon hitting our goals. That's the next area for improvement. - Rory San Miguel,Propeller

7. Give Everyone A Voice

We aim to align everyone on the company vision and encourage them to voice how best to realize this together. Most developers like to work towards short-term goals where they have the freedom to decide how to accomplish these. We find that team-members are most motivated when their work is well matched with their individual abilities, inclinations and personal development ambitions. Finally, everyone loves recognition, so we encourage show-and-tell sessions and celebrate successes as a team! - Tom Salvat,CONCURED

8. Set Measurable Success Criteria

I've learned that to keep the team motivated and happy, they need to believe in the company's vision. If they believe in the vision, they will contribute valuable insights and suggestionswhich leads to growth within the company. Also, measurable success criteria is a must so everyone knows exactly what is needed. - Robert Morcos,Social Mobile

9. Respect Their Autonomy

Smart, creative people thrive in an environment that respects their autonomy and values their contributions. Recognizing and rewarding positive contributions is essential to maintaining team morale. A good manager understands that their role is to support the unique needs of all team members, not to enforce arbitrary constraints. - Mike Segal,DigitalX

10. Keep Challenging Them

Give them challenging assignments! When you work with the very best people in the industry, they need challenges beyond new features and fixing bugs. Giving them the flexibility and the challenge to work on advanced/fun projects is key. Also, providing them with good visibility where we stand vis-a-vis the competition (when we lose or win POCs for example) is a great way to get them more engaged in the business and motivates to improve the product further. - Galina Antova,Claroty

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10 Strategies For Building A Happy And Motivated Tech Team - Forbes

Traveler hiking in nature.

By: Dr. Sandra Lewis

Weve reached the final quarter of the year. Its a time when we almost reflexively look back to what we set out to accomplish at the beginning of the year.Many of us have moved someNew Years resolutionsand goals into our win column.But disappointment about what we did not achieve is also quite common at this time of year.

We ruminate about the wrong turns or actions that we didnt take to realize our dreams. We worry that we didnt achieve our financial goals. These thoughts and feelings can send us on a downward spiral toward regret, self-doubt, and even dread. We end up drained and anxious rather than energized and productive.

Truth is, these months make forsufficient time to make progress on something meaningful. This is about how much time nature takes to complete one season. Surely its enough time to take actions that will have a positive impact in our personal and professional development.

Revamping a self-care plan, writing a book chapter or two, taking a new approach to marketing an existing product or service, changing productivity strategies to get out of overwhelm and over-exertion, hiring an assistant, or plotting a new career or business direction are among the endless possibilities.

Nature just staged a worldwideequinox, which coincided with the final 100 days of the year. The change of seasons and the cyclical patterns are full of effective growth and change strategies.

At the equinox, the sun and the equator come into perfect alignment with each other. For much of the year, night and day are doing a dance where one grows longer as the other grows shorter. At the equinox, they share a 24-hour period evenly.

Each of us has our own inner sun, our purpose, the internal guidance that brings value and meaning to all that we do. Connect what you want to accomplish in the upcoming months to your purpose and core values.Connect your desires to the positive impact that you want to have in your personal life and career. Root yourself in a deep sense of meaning.

It will be a powerful source of motivational fuel as you navigate the ups and downs along the way to what you want.

[Related:You Cannot be DerailedOnly Slowed Down]

When we experience dark and light in equal amounts, its easy to see how one complements the other. Darkness helps us understand light, and vice versa.

In the final quarter of the year, when you find yourself focusing on whats missing, use this as a reminder to get clear onwhats possible. Make a list of what youd like to accomplish. Review your list, then narrow it down to one action, one goal that you can complete within a three-month period.

Choose an impact goal. This is a goal that, once completed, will leave you feeling accomplished and have an impact on other important career and/or personal development goals.

The equinox ushered in fall in the northern hemisphere. The leaves will become brilliant with color and then the trees will release them. But once the leaves are on the ground, they partner with the earth and become fertilizer.

Consider what you need to release in order to achieve your goal. You may have a habit or behavior pattern thats kept you from moving forward. Be aware that bad habits, like good ones, provide some kind of gain for us or we wouldnt continue them.

Get clear about how your old habit has served you. As you release the old habit, decide how you will take care of that need. Then, define the new practices you will put into place to support your forward movement.

Youve probably never seen a tree struggle to keep a leaf from falling. Releasing is part of the growth cycle. New leaves can only come when the old ones fall away. What will you let go?

[Related:Look Within to Conquer the Need for "More"]

If youre in the southern hemisphere, spring has arrived. With it come winds that spread seeds. After a period of rest and behind-the-scenes work during winter, the earth is softening, ready to nurture seeds and sprout flowers.

Bringing forth a project requires balancing work with recovery and downtime. Make energy management a part of your daily plan. Build the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual energy that you need to stay focused, centered, and thriving as you take action on your goal. The give-and-take cycle sustains your flow of energy. Nothing happens without it.

There are some plants that only flourish at certain times of year. The energy has to build in order for them to blossom.

The last nine months have prepared you for a harvest. Count your wins. Look at the actions youve already taken this year. Write them down. Celebrate. Pay close attention to the accomplishments that will help you achieve your impact goal. This is the time to reap the benefits of your work.

Take action on your strong finish in 2019. Stay aligned with your purpose and values. Let your setbacks lead you to clearly define how to move forward. Balance your energy expenditures with recovery and renewal. Gather the fruits of your labor and flow into a fresh start in 2020.

[Related:Pack Your Bags to Grow Your Leadership Skills]

Dr. Sandra Y. Lewisworks with women to transform fatigue, anxiety, and overwhelm into energy to protect themselves from burnout, create well-rounded lives, and make a purpose-driven impact in their career.

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The Final Quarter: Finish Strong With Strategies From Nature - Forbes

By: HSSN Staff Friday, November 22, 2019 | 12:28 PM

Ethan Swope knows his first head coaching opportunity will be more about development than team success.

Swope, Shaler Areas first-year wrestling coach, will take over a Titans roster with 10 wrestlers. Having low numbers will make it difficult to compete in dual meets, which feature matches in 14 weight classes.

While the PIAA might be transitioning from 14 to 12 weight classes for the 2020-21 school year, that wont help Shaler this season.

Its going to be a challenge for the next few years with numbers, Swope said. Were going through a lull right now in terms of varsity numbers. Were strong with youth and middle school numbers. Were hoping to carry that through and make sure the kids stay involved through high school.

Shaler has had plenty of success over the past five seasons. The Titans won a section title in 2016 and saw Ryan Sullivan win consecutive state titles before signing with Pitt.

Shaler also has a long history of consistency with coaching.

Drew DAgostino stepped down last season after leading the program since 2006.

Before that, Ric LaFerriere guided the Titans to a 247-99-1 record in the previous 19 seasons. LaFerriere replaced Bob Siar Sr., who guided the team for 23 years from 1965-87 and compiled a mark of 245-83-6.

Swope, a graduate of DuBois High School, wrestled for NCAA Division II Gannon. During his four-year career, Swope finished with a 58-34 record and recorded seven pins.

Swope was an assistant at Shaler for the past two seasons and previously was a volunteer at Plum.

I always want to have contact with the sport, Swope said. I always had coaches who put in a lot of time with me. Ive always wanted to give back to the sport. It teaches you so many lessons. Its nice to give back to the kids.

Swope is hoping to get Shaler headed in the right direction. That will allow the Titans a chance to build for the future.

When you are rebuilding, especially with our situation having low numbers, it gives us the opportunity to focus on individuals and their personal development, he said. We have a handful of kids with limited experience. We want to make sure each kid has separate goals. Thats the main focus of this year, focusing on each kid rather than the team aspect.

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New Shaler wrestling coach ready to take on challenge - TribLIVE

I have written a book titled Maximise Potential which has everything I have learned on leadership, management, success, happiness, personal development, life, time management and few book reviews. You can download it for free here. Maximise Potential. It is a collection in one place of all the blog posts across topics over the last few years. Below is one of the chapters on goals.

The first step to understand about success is that it is not a destination but a wonderful journey that never ends. The best definition of success I have come across is by Earl Nightingale Success is the progressive realization of a worthy ideal/goal. It is the process thats actually exciting. Most of the times once we reach goals like getting the promotion or losing the weight we cant keep up momentum but it is the process that actually keeps us energized. Once we achieve our goals we feel good for that moment but in order to keep that feeling ongoing we need to keep setting new goals. The important thing to remember is that goal setting is a lifelong activity and it does energize our lives. People talk a lot about dreams but there has to be a distinction between outrageous dreams and dreams that ignite. I can have a dream to be the greatest tennis player that ever lived but that dream is surely not going to be realized and it is very much outrageous. I think when we speak about dreams the first step we should clarify is whether it is aligned with our abilities and has a timeline associated with it. Running a marathon could be a worthwhile dream for me and something within my capability though it would require tons of training and will be a BIG stretch for me.

Jim Collins coined the term BHAG (Big Hairy Audacious Goals) in his blockbuster book Built to Last 20 years back and he said a lot of the visionary companies set BHAGs that energized the organization. I think goals for personal life can do the same for us energizing our lives and increase passion. The starting point of the success journey is to craft a personal mission statement and back that up with a powerful vision supported by purposeful action.The best example of a BHAG is this nation should commit itself to achieving the goal, before the decade is out, of landing a man on the moon and returning him safely to the earthby John F Kennedy. He made that statement on May 25th1961 and it was still a valid BHAG even after his untimely death. It is over 50 years old but the beauty lies in its simplicity and clarity. BHAGs cannot be vague..This just goes to show the power of a BHAG. It doesnt matter what the BHAG is but that you have a BHAG. There is also a lot of merit in having a personal mission statement. My personal mission statement is to maximize my potential and help others maximize theirs. The action I take towards this mission is to read continuously on leadership, management, business and then share insights on what I have learned through blogs. This gets me excited to read books that are tough and that I may not read normally. Another thing that is important to set is have a core set of values that you can live by. Values could be dedication, integrity, honesty, passion,.Again writing down a personal mission statement and clarifying our values will surely add purpose to our lives.

It is important to remember that goals are not resolutions. Once a new year starts most people start setting resolutions like Iam going to stop eating sugar, Iam going to lose weight, etc. Personally I dont set resolutions as I feel having goals with a burning desire is more effective. Research has proven that most people break their resolutions within a month of setting it. This is because we keep mentioning the things we wont do rather than the benefits it would provide. A better resolution could be I want to be super fit so that I can be at my best all day long and feel energized throughout ultimately leading to a longer life full of energy, contribution and happiness. As you can see this is a much more energizing message and probably can help us be on track more than resolutions. Finally with respect to maintaining our proper weight it is useful to remember that there is no quick fix. It is only daily action performed consistently over a long period of time that will produce desirable results. We have to be in it for the long haul.

Finally goals have to be in writing. As it is mentioned often Goals not written down are merely wishes. A wish is a goal without any energy. As Harvey Mackay says A goal is a dream with adeadline. Setting short term goals in bursts of 90 days really sets our life on track. Backing that up with long term goals like 5 years from now and 10 years from now will set us on the path towards the journey of success with the purpose and vision required to keep us spirited throughout. I have read that all top achievers write their goals down, read/review their goals on a daily/weekly basis so that it is always in the front and center of their lives. There are two theories on sharing goals. One says that keep your goals confidential and another says sharing them will put the necessary pressure to complete them. I think financial goals, personal goals related to family should be confidential but if you have goals like I want to exercise 5 times a week it may be best to make that public in which case it puts more onus on you to follow through. The example of Thomas Edison is often sighted where he would call a press conference to talk about his new invention/innovative breakthrough long before it was ready and then go to work to make that a reality..This puts pressure on him to deliver and he did deliver BIG TIME indeed.

We can feel satisfied once we reach our goals but the only way we can truly stay happy/excited is to keep setting more goals that stretch us and the process of setting goals and proceeding on the journey of success provides the real meaning to life. Finally we will encounter problems along the way on our journey. The way to overcome that is to go back to our mission, vision and values. Another trick I came across recently is to ask the10/10/10 question. Will this matter 10 minutes from now, Will this matter 10 months from now, Will this matter 10 years from now? This really clarifies what is truly important to us. Think BIG, Burn your boats, Set BHAGS, take action and go forward confidently in the direction of your dreams. I wish you a fun filled, happy, excitinggoal oriented success journey that never ends.

Thanks for reading this post. Here is the link and you can download it for free here. Maximise Potential. I would love to hear your feedback.

The views expressed here are my own and do not represent my organization.

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Maximise Potential by Shyam Ramanathan Get the Most out of yourself - Thrive Global

Magic Johnson has long been viewed by many as a top leader on and off the basketball court.

So its no surprise he was able to easily answer a question from baseball legend Alex Rodriguez at the29th Annual Achilles Gala this weekon what makes him a great leader. Johnson said listening to others and surrounding himself with smart people have been key to his personal development post a storied NBA career, which saw him rack up five championships as a member of the Los Angeles Lakers. He added that staying active in communities as a way to keep learning and evolving has also proven important.

Johnson credited learning a lot in terms of business from former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz (Johnson once opened and operated Starbucks stores, after receiving the go ahead from Schultz) and fellow Los Angeles Dodgers owner, Guggenheim CEO Mark Walter.

Magic Johnson poses in the press room with the lifetime achievement award at the NBA Awards on Monday, June 24, 2019, at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, Calif. (Photo by Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP)

The Hall of Famer has enjoyed a successful second act as a highly regarded entrepreneur in large part by putting his leaderships skills into practice.

Johnson is the founder and CEO of Magic Johnson Enterprises (MJE). With an estimated valuation of $1 billion, MJE has invested in restaurants, entertainment venues and infrastructure projects. Johnson is also a part owner, through MJE, of the Dodgers.

Johnsons net worth is estimated to be around $600 million.

Although Johnson is a great leader, even the best could make a mistake or two.He regrets not taking Nike stockwhen Nike co-founder Phil Knight offered it to him.

Brian Sozzi is an editor-at-large and co-anchor of The First Trade at Yahoo Finance. Follow him on Twitter @BrianSozzi

Read the latest financial and business news from Yahoo Finance

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NBA legend Magic Johnson shares tips on how to be a great leader - Yahoo Finance

It used to be that when my husband or a friend would mention any way that I could improve (no matter how small), I would get offended or defensive.

Seriously. I couldnt take criticism, no matter how nicely it was delivered.

I felt like it was a blow to my ego. A knife to my heart. Like salt in my wounds.

Simple comments like, Mom, where are my socks? or Honey, can you please get your hair cut, it just looks better short. or Hey, could you not laugh so loud? were all things that I took personally.

Somehow I interpreted these things as Mom, you just arent very good at doing laundry. or Im just not attractive if I dont do my hair the way HE likes. Or If my laugh offends you that much, maybe we just shouldnt hang out anymore.

For years I felt like a victim to every single little thing people would say about me. I was never good enough. Never smart enough. Too loud. Too quiet. Not happy enough, etc.

Everything was always either someone elses fault, or something that I would get offended about.

All of that changed when I learned one simple truth:

What we believe about ourselves is always going to be mirrored back to us by the people and things in our lives.

Thus when others give us feedback or constructive criticism, we interpret it in a way that mirrors back to us what we truly believe about ourselves.

I found that the common denominator sabotaging all of my relationships was ME. My lack of self-love and belief in who I was capable of being, were literally making me act like a crazy person.

Id yell, fight back, or clam up and cease to converse with loved ones BECAUSE I didnt feel good about myself.

Id claim they were lying OR beat myself up internally about what they said, because it revealed to me the lack that I believed was there.

Id blame them for my lack of love and confidence.

However, I have learned that self-love and confidence are not things that only a few select souls are born with.

No, they are skills that we can and should cultivate!

Each of us are born into this world with loads of love and confidence. We love the skin we are in and feel joy to be alive.

Somewhere along the way we lose that acceptance of ourselves and get caught in the comparison trap.

We look at others and see all their impressive characteristics and abilities and forget that we too have someone amazing inside of us.

Our inner beauty begins to dim as we hide behind masks of who we think we should be in order to fit in. We accept the labels given to us from teachers, parents, religions and society. We learn that we are not good enough.

Somehow it is okay for us to feel those labels and get down about ourselves, but when someone else gives us those labels or suggests a better way to be, our ego gets mad. It fights back and wants to prove that person wrong.

It only does that however, when we secretly and subconsciously believe what that person is saying to us (or what we interpret they are saying).

After years of developing my self-love and learning how to be confident again, I have noticed that rather than getting offended by what others say or think about me, I now seek out their opinions.

I want to learn how to become better. I ask them for advice on how I can improve. I see that their comments were never meant to hurt me, but to help me. I use their opinions and suggestions to grow and blossom into who I was born to be. Instead of seeing their words as daggers to my heart, I accept them (or reject them without offense) as something to use for my personal development.

Just as any good college professor will give you edits to make a paper become even better, often our friends, family, and colleagues are simply trying to help us out. They are mirroring to us the potential that we have and what we truly believe about ourselves.

Lets learn to welcome their advice and use it to help us grow! It makes life so much better when we do.

Love and accept who you are and the feedback you receive will be helpful rather than hurtful.

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How to Accept Feedback Rather Than Letting it Break You - Thrive Global

Cox Automotive is inviting nominations for the Barbara Cox Woman of the Year Award 2020 as part of its efforts to shine a light on successful women working across the sector.

JCT600s head of commercial vehicles, Beryl Carney, received the 2019 award in recognition of her exceptional leadership skills demonstrated through the design and delivery of a highly successful business strategy which succeeded in transforming the fortunes of the AM100 groups Volkswagen van centres.

Now in its second year, the award has once again been launched in partnership with AM and its sister title Fleet News to recognise a woman that demonstrates a commitment to innovation, leadership or community.

Alison Fisher, chief people officer at Cox Automotive, said: Promoting diversity in our industry is a key part of our commitment to building high-performing teams at Cox Automotive.

"The Barbara Cox Woman of the Year Award will shine a light on successful women that have made a significant impact on the industry, and hopefully inspire others to do the same.

The award is part of our fantastic Women With Drive programme, which offers professional and personal development, peer-to-peer mentoring and networking opportunities for people across the automotive sector.

The award is named for Barbara Cox, the business pioneer who served as director of Cox Enterprises, Cox Automotives parent company in the USA, and will be presented to someone that is an inspiration or role model for women pursuing a career in automotive.

The nomination window will remain open for entries until January 17, 2020, and will be reviewed by a panel of judges that includes Fleet News deputy editor Sarah Tooze, Auto Trader chief operating officer Catherine Faiers, Cox Automotive UK chief executive Martin Forbes, Marshall Motor Group chief executive Daksh Gupta, and last years winner, JCT600s Beryl Carney.

The winner will be announced on March 6, 2020, at a special Women with Drive event to celebrate International Womens Day.

As well as the award, she will receive 5,000 to spend on her own personal development.

Nominations for the Barbara Cox Woman of the Year Award 2020 are invited from across the automotive industry, and should be entered via http://www.womenwithdrive.co.uk/barbara-cox-award

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Barbara Cox Woman of the Year Award 2020 nominations open - AM

Avatar: The Last Airbender and TheLegend of Korra featured a plethora of characters from different walks of life. Most notably, however, was the number of female characters with personal depth and capability. Not all entries will feature benders, yet that hardly stops them from entering the fray with their elemental sisters.

RELATED: 5 Manga Characters Even Stronger Than Saitama (&5 That Are Weaker)

Elsewhere, these women demonstrate their wisdom and strategic intelligence in situations that do not require brute force. Although each female character has merits of their own, it is nevertheless in the following list that a few of them will be included. So, here are 10 of the Most Powerful Women in the Avatar Universe.

Sure, most of the viewers know Zhu Li in association with Varrick, but lets face it, he would have been utterly lost without her. Zhu Li was neither one to shy away from the most difficult of tasks, either - having had to build a war machine, fly a glider, and even spy on Kuvira.

Furthermore, Zhu Li used her status as a minor threat to catch her off guard, until finally retaliating against Kuvira with a Mecha-suit. Sidekick or not, it is inevitably Zhu Lis actions that defined her as a hero.

Immediately upon meeting Mai, it was apparent that she was not going to settle for a sedentary life as the daughter of a governor. Her decision to take on Azulas mission revealed her advanced marksmanship with throwing blades, as well as her capability of going toe to toe with benders like Katara.

RELATED: Avatar: 10 Facts You Didn't Know About Ba Sing Se

Mai inevitably defies Azula, though, no longer willing to bend to the princesss whims. Though indifferent on the surface, Mai is by no means a spineless lackey paralyzed by fear.

Throughout the episodes of TheLast Airbender, Suki demonstrates a warrior prowess able to fight benders and non-benders alike. Raised on the island of Kyoshi, Suki was the leader of a group of warrior women, who were trained to in stealth and combat to protect the island from invaders.

Suki eventually led some of her warriors to battle against the Fire Nation, and though she was later imprisoned, she managed to escape and even take the warden hostage. Like Zhu Li, Suki always comes through in the end, even when it is hopeless.

After her fathers betrayal, Asami had the burden of keeping Sato Industries afloat amid controversy. Fortunately, she was able to transform the image of her company using her business strategy to guide her.

RELATED: My Hero Academia: 5 Quirks That Are Awakened (&5 That Are Close to Awakening)

Asami has shined elsewhere in her mechanical expertise, her ability to operate various machinery, and in her dominating skill with martial arts. Shes practically the Rosie the Riveter of LOK.

To those who see Ty Lee as a seemingly nave girly girl, it might be then hard to imagine her capable of treachery. Ty Lee's skill as a chi blocker is an incredible asset that allows her to temporarily remove a persons bending.

Regardless, Ty Lee does not come across as a threatening opponentand uses her power mostly out love for her friends. Ty Lee is not loyal to a fault, though, and will turn on even her friend Azula, should the latter threaten her other friends. Reiterating further that love is stronger than fear.

Kuvira may have begun as a minor character in the background of season 3 of LOK, but she soon took center stage in season 4. Her firm commitment to her mission revealed her to be a character defined by her actions, which tends to be a rarity for female characters.

RELATED: 5 Things Sasuke Can Do That Naruto Can't (& 5 Naruto Can that Sasuke Can't)

Instead of being cruel for the sake of cruelty, Kuvira follows an ends justify the means mentality that is entirely set on seeing her vision realized. There is a greater plan to what Kuvira intended for her people, and her dedication to seeing it to the end conveys her daunting strength and willpower.

Unlike a villain that blows hot air, Azula is every bit the cold, calculating antagonist that she is meant to be. The confidence and attitude that Azula exudes are highly compelling to see from a woman in authority, who is not only an advanced bender but a clever political strategist.

Though she was inevitably dethroned, it was following this that viewers saw the underlying pain to her unfeeling personality. In turn, revealing the multiple layers of Azula that define ultimately as a sympathetic villain.

Introducing Toph was certainly a surprising development in TheLast Airbender, and really in mainstream media, overall. Representation of people with varying ability is not nearly as positive as it was with Toph, who became one of the greatest Earthbenders alive, due to her advanced ability to sense as a result of her blindness.

RELATED: Avatar: The 10 Most Powerful Benders

Toph's bending expresses an effortless strength to command ones surrounding, and it was only advanced further when she ushered in an era of metal bending. Toph is by far one of the best characters in the show, offering a genuine example of the impressive capabilities found in Earth bending.

Although Katara came from a culture that saw women either in the role of domestic wife, or healer, in the case of female benders, she nevertheless proves this stereotype wrong. Throughout the show, viewers watched as Katara advanced from beyond frustration to confident control over her water element, which eventually led to taking down even Azula (twice).

Katara was also one of the few to learn blood bending, though, because she recognizes the cruelty in using it, Katara generally abstains from using it. Under these circumstances, then, Katara is actually holding back the full extent of her power.

The feisty young Korra in season one of LOK expressed a determined personality that was set on being the best. The truth, of course, was that Korra had a long road ahead of her that saw the avatar learning about a world that was kept from her for so long. One that would always challenge her resilience to grow as an avatar.

What is most compelling about Korra, though, is perhaps her personal development, as she went from total impulsiveness to wisdom and diligence. Her many accomplishments are in themselves impressive, but it was not without the adversity she confronted and overcame, that allowed her to become such a powerful avatar.

NEXT: The Last Airbender: The Most Powerful Avatars, Ranked

Next Iron Man: Deadliest Armored Villains, Ranked

Tags: avatar the last airbender, Avatar: Legend of Korra

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SALT LAKE CITY Whats new about the new Children and Youth program coming in 2020?

How about a new mobile app, recognition emblems, a new Young Men theme, camp guides, For the Strength of Youth conferences and Primary activities, just to name a few.

Leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints presented these and other new aspects of the Children and Youth program in the biggest Face to Face live event yet, broadcast from the Tabernacle at Temple Square on Sunday in 18 languages to more than 140 countries.

Elder Gerrit W. Gong of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles hosted the broadcast with Sister Joy D. Jones, Primary general president; Sister Bonnie H. Cordon, Young Women general president; and Brother Stephen W. Owen, Young Men general president.

In a short message to open the event, President Russell M. Nelson asked the youths of the church to set goals to become more like Jesus Christ. The results could be miraculous, he said.

Keep the Savior at the center of your plans. Always ask yourself and prayerfully ask your Father in heaven, what can I do to become more like Jesus Christ? President Nelson said. As you do this each day, miracles will happen.

During the broadcast, church leaders used questions submitted online from members worldwide and short videos to explain key elements. The new program was prepared with love and inspiration to help youths discover and become your best divine self through activities and service, learning and growth, Elder Gong told the audience.

The new program helps you invite God into all aspects of your life, the apostle said.

Viewers were also treated to a special appearance from artist David Archuleta, who performed the 2020 youth theme song and video based on the scripture I Nephi 3:7. Two families and a choir also sang a new Primary song.

Here are some questions and answers that will help readers understand what information was presented in Sundays broadcast. The church has also provided an overview and list of Frequently Asked Questions.

Whats new about the Children and Youth program?

Elder Gong outlined three different aspects of the new program:

First, the new program gives you each other, a worldwide group of awesome peers each seeking to follow our Savior Jesus Christ, Elder Gong said.

Second, the new program brings together your gospel learning, activities and service and personal development as you choose to grow and serve.

And third, the new program helps you invite God into all aspects of your life, individually, in your family, classes, quorums, you will be blessed as you plan and participate, make new friends and have fun.

How will service and activities be different?

The new program will provide activities designed for families, children, young men and women. Young men and women will organize their activities, preferably each week. Leaders have been counseled to support the youth as mentors and guides.

Service and purposeful activities are at the heart of the new program, Elder Gong said.

Young men and women will continue to have camps, including an annual multi-day camp.

Sister Jones said Activity Days will now be called Primary activities and activities for both girls and boys will be held two to four times per month.

The Children and Youth website includes more than 100 activities and service ideas for families, children and youth with more to come. Service ideas can also come from JustServe.org or the JustServe app, Brother Owen said.

What additional details were shared about the new For the Strength of Youth Conferences?

Along with camps, treks and youth conferences, Elder Gong said young men and women can take part in For the Strength of Youth (FSY) conferences, patterned after Especially for Youth (EFY) conferences.

Beginning at age 14, young people will come together for five days in larger groups for classes, devotionals, gospel study, dances, variety shows and many other activities beginning in May 2020.

In years where stakes attend FSY, they will not hold youth conferences or treks. Stake or ward camps are encouraged each year where possible, Brother Owen said.

Young single adults are encouraged to serve as counselors at FSY conferences, Sister Cordon said.

How many goals should young people set and how should they track their growth and personal development?

Elder Gong said children and youth can prayerfully decide how many goals they set and when they want to accomplish them. Children and youth are encouraged to develop new talents, interests and skills as they prepare for missionary service, education, careers and family.

Grid View

Young men and women are urged to set at least two goals per year in each area of growth, Sister Cordon said.

Beginning at age 8, Primary children are encouraged to start setting one goal per year in each area of growth, Sister Jones said.

The church will distribute guidebooks to help youths plan and achieve their goals.

Elder Gong introduced the new Gospel Living app that will be available in 2020 for youth to journal, track their progress and access uplifting music, videos, memes and inspirational messages.

What is the Gospel Living mobile app?

According to the churchs list of Frequently Asked Questions, the Gospel Living app has tools for setting goals, making plans, tracking progress, and recording thoughts and impressions. In addition, the app provides inspirational articles, activity and goal ideas, and messaging and sharing among family members, quorums and classes. The app is not necessary for participation in Children and Youth and it is not limited to those who are participating in Children and Youth.

How does a parent help their child or youth get started with personal development?

Parents can start by helping a child or youth identify how he or she wants to grow. They might start by talking about how to seek and receive revelation and pray together for guidance. The resources in the guidebooks and the Gospel Living app can help identify needs and interests, according to the churchs list of Frequently Asked Questions.

For more information, see Children and Youth: An Introductory Guide for Parents and Leaders.

Will the new program include new recognitions and achievements?

Yes. The church leaders introduced viewers to the following emblems:

Youth that reach personal goals and basic gospel expectations can earn two additional emblems before completing time in Aaronic Priesthood quorums or Young Women: a certificate signed by the First Presidency and a Christus in a crystal arch.

The youth Instagram account can now be found at StrivetoBe. Youth can share their experiences on social media using #StrivetoBe.

Please remember, personal gospel growth is not a set of requirements that you check off, Elder Gong said. Setting righteous personal goals and establishing disciplined and inspired patterns will bless your whole life.

When will wards and branches receive personal development guidebooks and emblems?

Wards and branches will receive the personal development guidebooks by January 2020 and the emblems of achievement and belonging by mid-2020.

How is the new program connected to the Come, Follow Me curriculum and will it enhance individual gospel learning?

Recent adjustments have aligned Come, Follow Me at home, in seminary, in Primary and in Sunday School to support the new program, Brother Owen said.

The young women introduced a new theme in October general conference. Will the young men have a new theme?

Yes. Brother Owen invited young men to stand and recite a new Aaronic Priesthood quorum theme:

I am a beloved son of God, and He has a work for me to do.

With all my heart, might, mind, and strength, I will love God, keep my covenants, and use His priesthood to serve others, beginning in my own home.

As I strive to serve, exercise faith, repent, and improve each day, I will qualify to receive temple blessings and the enduring joy of the gospel.

I will prepare to become a diligent missionary, loyal husband, and loving father by being a true disciple of Jesus Christ.

I will help prepare the world for the Saviors return by inviting all to come unto Christ and receive the blessings of His Atonement.

How flexible will the new program be for different circumstances and unique family situations?

The principles of the new program are capable of functioning in any family situation, no matter the size or location of any branch or ward, Brother Owen said.

We invite you to seek the Spirit of the Lord and adapt the Children and Youth program to your local needs, he said.

Can adults and younger children participate in Children and Youth?

As individuals and as families, adults and younger children can participate and use the resources for gospel learning, service and activities, and personal development at home. Adults and younger children generally will not participate in church-sponsored activities related to Children and Youth and will not receive Children and Youth emblems, according to the churchs list of Frequently Asked Questions.

For more information, visit the Children and Youth website.

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Whats new with the Latter-day Saint Children and Youth program? - Deseret News

You dont have to fall far into the rabbit hole that is Personal Finance On The Internet to stumble upon someone doingor exhorting you to doa No Spend Challenge. (Its No Spend November, so you might be seeing them even more than usual!). If youre not familiar, theyre exactly what they seem like: A person challenges themselves to expend zero dollars beyond the necessities of life, such as housing, food and transport.

At face value, theyre a fairly innocuous way of reigning in your expenditures, becoming aware of mindless extra purchases and saving a little cash along the way. You resist that Aritizia sale, forgo Uber in favour of the TTC, meal prep your lunches instead of buying take-out (OK, that only lasted the first week but still) andemerge a hero, refreshed from this foray into minimalist living, one step further along in your road to financial freedom. Because this is 2019, you also probably documented your struggles on social media. #millionairemindset #goaldigger #onabudget

What you may not have realized you were doing as you tightened your belt by not buying that belt in the Matches sale? You were also participating in an activity thats the purview of only the most privileged in the world.

I could do a No Spend Challenge and it might get me $20 at the end of the month, says Laura Cattari, a Hamilton, Ont.-based anti-poverty activist who, while not in poverty anymore, has experienced exactly what its like to spend every last cent on essentials like food and shelterand still be in need. Even now, her disposable income is limited. I wouldnt say I find this challenge offensive, but I do think targeted to a very particular group.

Read this next:5 Millennial Women on How Much They Make and How They Spend It

This particular group, of course, is people who actually have disposable income. Spending becomes a choicesomething that you dont have when youre living in poverty. Your entire life is one long and painful No Spend Challenge.

Its very hard to imagine poverty until youve been there, explains Cattari, who found herself there after chronic illness met a diabolically-timed layoff, despite having previously worked jobs that paid $80,000 a year. When youre not buying something because youre doing a challenge, theres never that fear that comes with poverty. That fear of not being able to eat, of becoming homeless.

Cattari is an advocate of what she calls simple living, and shes all for being wise with your money and checking your consumptionand maybe not blasting your privilege all over your feed? For her, you see, the issue with this challenge comes when its paired with a lack of awareness about the experiences of people for whom this is not a fun activity to post about on social media, or a personal development goal to tick off as a sign of your admirable restraint or frugality.

To think that [your effort] in any way, shape or form resembles real poverty is way off base, she says. For her, real poverty is when youre faced with doing impossible math like: If your social assistance for the month is $1,100, and your fixed housing cost is $1,000, how on earth do you decide what to prioritize with that remaining $100? Do you give up your phone, and risk not being able to call for help as a woman living alone? Do you keep your phone and see if you can eat from food banks that month? Or do you not pay your utility bill and risk it getting shut off, meaning the food youd bought could potentially spoil instead?

Read this next:Real Women on How to Talk Money Without Ruining Your Relationship

There is also, of course, the isolation, a sense of being different from your peers thats the polar opposite to the post-watch-the-likes-roll-in experience of conspicuously not spending on social media. When I was on [social assistance], I wasnt able to buy Nutella, shares Cattari. Its a small thing, but Im Italian, I grew up on it. It just brought home how you have no choice in your life.

For Meagan Loose, a writer for the personal finance site Money After Graduation, the No Spend Challenge is just a symptom of much broader issues within the world of personal finance, and its linked to that ignorance (whether blissful or willful) that Cattari is referring to.

These challenges to cut spending are all marketed to people who are already financially secure, she says. In so much personal finance advice, theres this assumption that people are already fed or have a bed to sleep in that night. You see people trying to save 10K for a downpaymentbut Im just trying to make enough to eat today.

Alberta-born, Loose moved to Toronto six years ago, and since then says shes been struggling to get by. Her only expenditures are on food, transiting and housing. She hasnt bought clothes in three years, and would love to be buying gifts for her family this holiday seasonbut when every last cent is spoken for already, thats just not in the cards. She only recently moved into her own apartment, and doesnt have parents to fall back on like other young people she knows. Its because of this that she writes about personal finance for people who find themselves in a similar situation.

Read this next:How to Bring up Finances on a Date Without Killing the Mood

Its frustrating to see advice from people who cant understand the place of the people theyre advising. For example, I havent bought clothes in three years, so telling me to spend less on clothes? Thats not helpful. But writing from a poverty perspective? Theres solidarity in that.

And speaking of solidarity: Loose says the answer to this isnt necessarily *not* doing a No Spend Challenge. Its simply recognizing the privilege you have in being able to do that, and going forth in sensitivity. In fact, shed like to see the change starting with the people issuing the challenges in the first place. If youre putting forward the idea of doing a No Spend Challenge, preface it with something like If youre in a position to do this, she explains. Its as simple as acknowledging that there are people who are in different situations.

Alternately, you can swap out the No Spend Challenge for something like The Welfare Challenge. Its one she often asks politicians to do, says Laura Cattari, and involves seeing how many days you can make an average social assistance benefit stretch. (In Ontario, thats $730 a month.)

The most important part of doing The Welfare Challenge, she says, is that honest assessment of how it impacts you. When you realise how difficult it is, its a good way of understanding how impossible it is to get out of poverty.

We all know what its like to not get what we want, she adds. Thats still not the same as poverty. A mindfulness of that privilege can go a long way.

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Heres Why You Should Rethink That No Spend Challenge - FLARE