"A very important point: You do not 'create' or 'set' core ideology. You discover core ideology. It is not derived by looking to the external environment; you get at it by looking inside. It has to be authentic. You can't fake ideology. Nor can you just 'intellectualize' it. Do not ask 'What core values should we hold?' Ask instead: 'What core values do we actually hold?'" - Jim Collins
Is that so different from life's purpose? To some extent we can develop an enthusiasm for something. But we have natural tendencies, natural passions and talents. Perhaps we derive greatest joy from helping others. It could be raising children. For some, it's competing and winning. For me, it's teaching. What do we value? What is it that brings the happiest tear to the eye, or that we can lose ourself in for hours as if they were moments? And if we're destined to lead in life, we find ways to communicate this passion to others... our words, our scheduling, our money follows it. We don't have to be loud, just consistent, just persistent.
Showing posts with label Built to Last. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Built to Last. Show all posts
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Saturday, November 3, 2007
How to Clean the Inside of Your Skull
This goes out to the people who feel mired in their current situation.
Figure out what your ideal life would look like. What makes you happy?
1. Get out of your life all the stuff that is inconsistent with your passions and goals. That includes people.
2. Bring into your life everything that either supports who you are and what you want to create.
Don't worry about feeling like you're not sacrificing enough -- life's filled with plenty of that without our helping it along!
Figure out what your ideal life would look like. What makes you happy?
1. Get out of your life all the stuff that is inconsistent with your passions and goals. That includes people.
2. Bring into your life everything that either supports who you are and what you want to create.
Don't worry about feeling like you're not sacrificing enough -- life's filled with plenty of that without our helping it along!
Shining Eyes
"When you feel that you're making a contribution, that's when you get the shining eyes -- when we get up in the morning and we live that." -- Ben Zander, conductor
Lately I took another step from religious to secular service, by closing a successful 3-year stint as a writer/actor in a Vacation Bible School. I think that God is guiding me toward my "shining eyes" ministry, I just don't know exactly what that is yet.
Lately I took another step from religious to secular service, by closing a successful 3-year stint as a writer/actor in a Vacation Bible School. I think that God is guiding me toward my "shining eyes" ministry, I just don't know exactly what that is yet.
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Don't Be Right, Be Effective
In follow-up to the previous post, a couple of quotes repeat the same philosophy.
"A lot of young directors love to hear themselves speak. The ones who aren't afraid to ask for help and say, hey, I've got a really strong point of view on this, but there are some things I don't know and I could really use your help. Those are the ones that you know are going to make it." -- Greg Foster, CEO, IMAX Theaters
Foster's observation speaks not only to the value of effectiveness over self-importance, but demonstrates the humility that great leaders possess and team members boundlessly appreciate.
"When you feel that you're making a contribution, that's when you get the shining eyes -- when we get up in the morning and we live that." -- Ben Zander, conductor
As important as it is to submit our ego below the goal of the group, as individuals the importance of effectiveness also demands that we find a group in which we are making a difference, and not just filling an empty seat.
I was part of two groups during the last two years. Both of these groups were charged with putting on regular, creative performances for an audience. In one group, I was regularly asked "what do you think?" and my contributions made a difference. In the other, this was not the case. Guess which group I still belong to?
"A lot of young directors love to hear themselves speak. The ones who aren't afraid to ask for help and say, hey, I've got a really strong point of view on this, but there are some things I don't know and I could really use your help. Those are the ones that you know are going to make it." -- Greg Foster, CEO, IMAX Theaters
Foster's observation speaks not only to the value of effectiveness over self-importance, but demonstrates the humility that great leaders possess and team members boundlessly appreciate.
"When you feel that you're making a contribution, that's when you get the shining eyes -- when we get up in the morning and we live that." -- Ben Zander, conductor
As important as it is to submit our ego below the goal of the group, as individuals the importance of effectiveness also demands that we find a group in which we are making a difference, and not just filling an empty seat.
I was part of two groups during the last two years. Both of these groups were charged with putting on regular, creative performances for an audience. In one group, I was regularly asked "what do you think?" and my contributions made a difference. In the other, this was not the case. Guess which group I still belong to?
Disagree and Commit
Candy king William Wrigley once said, "When two men in business always agree, one of them is unnecessary."
Elsewhere, I've read that "consensus is horrible." Perhaps that's too extreme, if we equate "consensus" with "unanimity." In fact, consensus is defined as "general agreement." That makes a little more sense, since we know that no two people are alike. In most circumstances, they are bound to disagree on some level. The key is to give everyone a chance to disagree respectfully. Some leaders cultivate this actively. "Disagree and commit" is one way to describe it. It can be as simple as asking "What do you think?" or, if no one seems to disagree with an opinion on the table, to ask someone to come up with an opposite position. This helps to flush out what might be wrong with the prevailing idea.
The natural challenge, of course, is that if enough of one's ideas don't come to fruition, then we may lose face. And that's where the Ben Franklin's principle comes into play, that righteousness is based on usefulness, and not rights. In other words, it's more important to get useful results (by getting everyone's creative and differing opinions onto the table and sorting out the best one) than to be "right" as an individual. Perhaps that's why brainstorming is such a healthy practice, as ideas become separated from people as the list grows on the board. The worth of the individual is subordinated to the goal of the team, so that "everyone wins."
Again, the key to "disagree and commit" is respect -- respecting that there are many different, valid ideas within the room, and once we leave the room, that we honor the one that was accepted rather than the one that makes us feel the most important.
Elsewhere, I've read that "consensus is horrible." Perhaps that's too extreme, if we equate "consensus" with "unanimity." In fact, consensus is defined as "general agreement." That makes a little more sense, since we know that no two people are alike. In most circumstances, they are bound to disagree on some level. The key is to give everyone a chance to disagree respectfully. Some leaders cultivate this actively. "Disagree and commit" is one way to describe it. It can be as simple as asking "What do you think?" or, if no one seems to disagree with an opinion on the table, to ask someone to come up with an opposite position. This helps to flush out what might be wrong with the prevailing idea.
The natural challenge, of course, is that if enough of one's ideas don't come to fruition, then we may lose face. And that's where the Ben Franklin's principle comes into play, that righteousness is based on usefulness, and not rights. In other words, it's more important to get useful results (by getting everyone's creative and differing opinions onto the table and sorting out the best one) than to be "right" as an individual. Perhaps that's why brainstorming is such a healthy practice, as ideas become separated from people as the list grows on the board. The worth of the individual is subordinated to the goal of the team, so that "everyone wins."
Again, the key to "disagree and commit" is respect -- respecting that there are many different, valid ideas within the room, and once we leave the room, that we honor the one that was accepted rather than the one that makes us feel the most important.
About Accountability
Accountability means "to stand and be counted."
Measuring, whether calories, pounds, or tasks completed, is time-consuming. But this feedback helps us improve. It helps us see the steps to our vision. By their nature, they don't focus on inspiration but perspiration.
Some of my goals are stated to the left. And on Halloween at work, we'll officially unveil our department's goals for 2008. Off we go!
Measuring, whether calories, pounds, or tasks completed, is time-consuming. But this feedback helps us improve. It helps us see the steps to our vision. By their nature, they don't focus on inspiration but perspiration.
Some of my goals are stated to the left. And on Halloween at work, we'll officially unveil our department's goals for 2008. Off we go!
Super Size Me!
Today I watched "Super Size Me," the documentary of a man who ate nothing but McDonald's meals for a month. During that time, his weight jumped from 185 pounds to 210, and his percent body fat from 11% to 18%. His cholesterol jumped 65 points, to 240.
Meanwhile, two co-workers of mine have dropped 20 or more pounds. The one who dropped over 40 pounds did it largely by swearing off soft drinks. The one who dropped 20 did it by reading labels. Muffins, peanuts, even soups can be loaded with fat!
As a side note, the amount of calories needed to sustain a 185 pound person was estimated at 2,500. That's roughly 13.5 calories per pound.
Meanwhile, two co-workers of mine have dropped 20 or more pounds. The one who dropped over 40 pounds did it largely by swearing off soft drinks. The one who dropped 20 did it by reading labels. Muffins, peanuts, even soups can be loaded with fat!
As a side note, the amount of calories needed to sustain a 185 pound person was estimated at 2,500. That's roughly 13.5 calories per pound.
Our Moon
President John Kennedy issued a goal of putting a man on the moon by the end of the 1960's. His declaration stirred the nation's competitive spirit. In this case, science became a metaphor for the triumph of democracy over communism.
It wasn't that we knew how to do it (we didn't), but that we believed we had to do it.
"Success is all about meaning first and method second."
Dena and I have decided to run 5k on December 1, even though neither of us has run regularly this year. Yesterday we mapped out a 5k path and just walked it. 5k time: 46 minutes. Our plan is to cover the distance 5 days a week for 6 weeks, lengthening our jog time each time. Who knows if we'll be as successful as America's space program? The fun is in the trying.
It wasn't that we knew how to do it (we didn't), but that we believed we had to do it.
"Success is all about meaning first and method second."
Dena and I have decided to run 5k on December 1, even though neither of us has run regularly this year. Yesterday we mapped out a 5k path and just walked it. 5k time: 46 minutes. Our plan is to cover the distance 5 days a week for 6 weeks, lengthening our jog time each time. Who knows if we'll be as successful as America's space program? The fun is in the trying.
Too Much Information
President Jimmy Carter was criticized in the media for his honest admission that he had "naughty" passing thoughts. His empathy was not judged appropriate to his role, nor did it advance his mission as president of the United States.
"It's incredibly unfair, perhaps. The reality is that some parts of yourself are better off left in the shadows if they are not useful and relevant in directly supporting of furthering your goals and establishing the integrity of your objectives."
"It's incredibly unfair, perhaps. The reality is that some parts of yourself are better off left in the shadows if they are not useful and relevant in directly supporting of furthering your goals and establishing the integrity of your objectives."
Saturday, October 20, 2007
The Accidental Billions
Ray Kroc's motivation was not to sell hamburgers. In fact, he was a so-so milkshake salesman who stumbled across the McDonald Brothers hamburger stand and thought, "My God, if they expand I can sell more milkshake machines." When the McDonalds refused to expand, Kroc bought them out. Today, of course, McDonald's restaurants have sold billions of hamburgers to a delighted public, and yes, a few milkshakes to boot!
So it is with many successful people -- a better idea often lies in wait, not far away from our current idea.
In college I took the lead on a Red Cross tradition, its fund raising men's basketball tournament. In the early planning sessions, the idea of a children's clinic in between games surfaced. Suddenly, someone asked "What if we just replaced the tournament with a children's clinic?" The result was a greater profit than ever before, with less work!
Open eyes and an open mind can be the difference between excellence and mediocrity, if we choose to employ them.
So it is with many successful people -- a better idea often lies in wait, not far away from our current idea.
In college I took the lead on a Red Cross tradition, its fund raising men's basketball tournament. In the early planning sessions, the idea of a children's clinic in between games surfaced. Suddenly, someone asked "What if we just replaced the tournament with a children's clinic?" The result was a greater profit than ever before, with less work!
Open eyes and an open mind can be the difference between excellence and mediocrity, if we choose to employ them.
Show Them You're a Pig
There's the old saying that in a breakfast of bacon and eggs, the chicken is merely involved in the cause, while the pig is truly committed.
"For anyone to give a damn about what you're recruiting them to do, people want to know the skin you have in the game. You've got to find your own way to express the passion and personal meaning you have invested in this goal or mission."
Our actions display our true beliefs. People do what people see.
"For anyone to give a damn about what you're recruiting them to do, people want to know the skin you have in the game. You've got to find your own way to express the passion and personal meaning you have invested in this goal or mission."
Our actions display our true beliefs. People do what people see.
Tuition Refund
When you've paid the tuition of failure, it's time to harvest the learning. Be greedy about wringing out every drop of useful content so you can do better next time. That emotionally charged word greed is delibarate -- it shifts the mindset from seeing a failure as a liability to something that might be a transforming asset.
Successful people view both success and failure as feedback.
One of my failures was enrolling in a seminary college for a brief time. The grades were fine, but the enthusiasm rapidly ran out of steam. Why? While my skills aligned well, my spiritual beliefs had changed significantly. As a result, the goal had degraded from doing good to merely feeling good.
In this case, I literally paid tuition of failure -- and learned that talents need the good soil of a passionate cause in order to flower!
Successful people view both success and failure as feedback.
One of my failures was enrolling in a seminary college for a brief time. The grades were fine, but the enthusiasm rapidly ran out of steam. Why? While my skills aligned well, my spiritual beliefs had changed significantly. As a result, the goal had degraded from doing good to merely feeling good.
In this case, I literally paid tuition of failure -- and learned that talents need the good soil of a passionate cause in order to flower!
Exercising Demons
A teenager who was bullied regularly, suffering from migraine headaches and depression. At last he decided to change his life, through daily exercise.
"I can't wait until it's over every day," he said. "But I'd be miserable if I didn't do it."
By the time Jack LaLanne said this, he was 92 years old and hadn't missed a workout in 70 years!
In addition, he weaned himself off sugar and meat. In time, his workout regiments affected millions of Americans.
"I can't wait until it's over every day," he said. "But I'd be miserable if I didn't do it."
By the time Jack LaLanne said this, he was 92 years old and hadn't missed a workout in 70 years!
In addition, he weaned himself off sugar and meat. In time, his workout regiments affected millions of Americans.
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Remember to Fail!
"You've got to fail on the path to success." -- Marva Collins, school teacher, who grew up in poverty in Alabama and ended up being invited to serve as U.S. Secretary of Education (by the way, she decided instead to stick to her passion in the classroom)
Advice from the Biotech Entrepreneur
"I once got a fortune cookie that said, 'Whatever you are, be a good one.' And to me that's the only business advice I can give anybody. When you are good at one thing, doors open up in front of you." -- Ed Penhoet
Shortly my basketball coaching career will begin. We'll see if that's "one thing" that opens doors!
Shortly my basketball coaching career will begin. We'll see if that's "one thing" that opens doors!
Recipe for Success
Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice says that life takes "passion, determination, and skill." You can't skip any of those three and expect to enjoy success built to last. One of my favorite business books is Good to Great, which would add one more essential characteristic of great leadership: humility.
Friday, October 12, 2007
"O" No
"You can't wait for a standing ovation to validate what matters to you." -- Success Built to Last
Money's Overrated
"The job of leadership today is not just to make money, it's to make meaning." -- John Seely Brown, researcher at Xerox Park.
What, You Worry?
"Most of us worry more about being loved, than being what we love." -- Success Built to Last
"It doesn't matter if people care for me, it only matters that I care for them." -- Joe McDonald
"It doesn't matter if people care for me, it only matters that I care for them." -- Joe McDonald
You Might Not Be A Redneck, But...
...if you create something that continually seduces you into obsessing over every detail, losing track of the passage of time...
...if you would be willing to do it for free...
...if you're attracted to it even when you're too tired to do anything else...
then you might be a success!
...if you would be willing to do it for free...
...if you're attracted to it even when you're too tired to do anything else...
then you might be a success!
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