As 2009 comes to a close, many take time to reflect on where they are in life and what a new dacade will bring. A great time to share some thoughts about my rules for success.
1. There are no rules.
Thinking outside the box demands that you break some rules! Structure, principles, in fact all discipline theories should be used to support independent thinking. Curiosity is so much more powerful than playing by the rules. Innovation comes from exploring outside the boundaries of rules. From the book THE GOOGLE STORY: "A Healthy Disregard for the Impossible"
2. Treat people with TRUST and RESPECT.
Accountability and integrity are driven from trust and respect in relationships.
3. Be proactive
Control my Attitude - My response to what happens in my life is driven from my attitude. Keeping a positive attitude reflects a positive response.
Never ASSUME - Ask the obvious. The message may not have been received as it was intended. Seek first to understand, then be understood.
Improve my life through the things that I can influence, rather than reacting to external forces.
4. Recognize and reward results at all levels.
This creates winners - help people to realize their dreams.
5. Enjoy the ride.
When you are no longer having fun, find something else to do. Maintain a balance in life. Experience life.
6. Under promise and over deliver.
Know the goal and exceed it. Do not be over optimistic in your estimates. Do not accept "no" prematurely.
7. Admit when you are wrong.
Reinforce feedback and candor. Open the Johari window.
//Norm
www.normanbain.com
Showing posts with label Leadership. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Leadership. Show all posts
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Leadership and Self Deception
Since becoming a consultant, I have never read so much! In my first two years in this industry, I read more books than my entire time in school! I even find myself revisiting my old library and finishing books that I started reading several years ago.
I had always considered myself open to new ideas and committed to continual learning. Since I became a consultant, learning and continuous improvement has become a quest!
Occasionally, I encounter a concept that is a true game changer. A concept that is so striking, so remarkable that it commands a different approach – and the realization that I just missed the point. Such is the case with Leadership and self deception by the Arbinger Institute. It takes the Johari Window to a whole new level. It explains why “soft skills” training has little lasting effect. It shows how personal and organizational problems result from “self deception”. It uncovers what self deception is, and how easily we get trapped “in the box”. Most importantly, it uncovers the surprising way to get out of the box and solve our problems.
When my kids became teenagers, they became detached. Like most teens, they started drifting as they looked to discover themselves. And started exploring things I would have preferred they not pursue. This book uncovered the fact that by being “in the box” with them, I was encouraging them to pursue exactly what I did not want.
This book completely changed my view of myself as an individual, as a leader, and as a consultant. It explains many of the things that happened in the course of my career and how simple getting out of the box can be. Certainly on my “must read” list for leaders. As the cover so eloquently states, its a phenomenon that is changing lives and transforming organizations.
I had always considered myself open to new ideas and committed to continual learning. Since I became a consultant, learning and continuous improvement has become a quest!
Occasionally, I encounter a concept that is a true game changer. A concept that is so striking, so remarkable that it commands a different approach – and the realization that I just missed the point. Such is the case with Leadership and self deception by the Arbinger Institute. It takes the Johari Window to a whole new level. It explains why “soft skills” training has little lasting effect. It shows how personal and organizational problems result from “self deception”. It uncovers what self deception is, and how easily we get trapped “in the box”. Most importantly, it uncovers the surprising way to get out of the box and solve our problems.When my kids became teenagers, they became detached. Like most teens, they started drifting as they looked to discover themselves. And started exploring things I would have preferred they not pursue. This book uncovered the fact that by being “in the box” with them, I was encouraging them to pursue exactly what I did not want.
This book completely changed my view of myself as an individual, as a leader, and as a consultant. It explains many of the things that happened in the course of my career and how simple getting out of the box can be. Certainly on my “must read” list for leaders. As the cover so eloquently states, its a phenomenon that is changing lives and transforming organizations.
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