Flexible thinking is a lot like drving in Naples
Adhering strictly to the rules (fixed mindset) won’t fly here. Often, it doesn’t fly in life or in business either. You need to be adaptable (growth mindset); it is one of the keys to success.
Cause and effect: Which side of the equation are you on?
Since the law of cause and effect is always operating, we are always producing results. If we bring a degree of intentionality to what we want to achieve, by definition we fall on the cause side of the equation. So if we get intentional about the result we kind of results we want to produce and what it takes given certain conditions give rise to the desired (or not desired) effects we have a much better chance of getting what we want or set out to achieve.
Courage, vulnerability, uncertainty and bearing your neck!
So, what is courage anyway? It happens to be the name of our company and comes from one of the four cardinal virtues in ancient Greece and embodies feeling the fear and doing it anyway. Taking a risk in service of a goal or an ideal. It’s when nothing is guaranteed, the outcome is far from certain. It’s about being judged by the actions taken and not the results achieved.
Vulnerability, inclusion and connection: A leader for our times
We all feel vulnerable at times. That’s the honest truth. No one is 6 foot and bulletproof. We all struggle. It takes courage to admit the struggle and in doing so our human connection deepens. We are taught to build rapport like there is a formula to it. A far more authentic and lasting way to do that is to be authentically you, to be vulnerable. The evidence is in: The best performing teams are deeply connected and have high levels of trust. That kind of a culture doesn’t just happen; it begins with the leader who is willing to embrace vulnerability. This kind of leadership is what we need if we are to thrive, in business and as a people.
Live authentically to the end and face death head-on!
It’s often the case we find out just how extraordinary someone is when they die. The only problem is we don’t have an opportunity to share in that knowledge whilst they are still alive. I knew that Jennie Gorman was an extraordinary human being, the moment I met her 7 years ago that was evident. At her memorial service today, I heard those sentiments echoed by so many of the people who had gathered to pay their respects, one last time. She was a prominent and iconic businesswoman known and loved by many. As in life, in her death, she had much to share.
The biggest enemy to authenticity: Heidegger’s ‘das Man’
If you’re living your life for others and not yourself, whose life are you living? Who are you living it for? There’s an old saying about pleasing people. When you try and please everyone you end up by pleasing none. Including you! To live according to ‘das Man’ with social convention dictating your life. To do so is to play it safe and to live a small life. We sacrifice our authenticity on the altar of looking good. Who are we looking good for if not the crowd and the das Man?
Everyone is after the real McCoy, not a cheap knock off!
First published in Thrive Global 22 October 2019 https://thriveglobal.com/stories/everyone-is-after-the-real-mccoy-not-a-cheap-knock-off/? Just ask Dave; a fake won't do! Two years ago I went to my local chiropractor for an adjustment. This guy knows his watches! From...
Betrayal of the self is a betrayal of the highest order
Common wisdom says that communication is in the ear of the listener. While there is truth to that, it does let the speaker off the hook somewhat, and you run the risk of the message not getting through. If you know yourself, you are far better placed to know and understand another. That’s a key to getting your message through.
Be Authentic: William Shakespeare was on the right track
At some level, we know that being authentic works and yet it is easy to fall short of it. We give in to other’s expectations of us, perceived or otherwise. We sell out on our own values and sacrifice our authenticity on the altar of looking good. There are definite implications for leadership.
Life is A Series of Windows and Doors
We use the language of windows and doors constantly and there is a very good reason for this. Nearly every body you ask “would you like to know what happens next?” Will say “sure, why not?” Or make a joke about how if they could do that, they wouldn’t be in whatever...