Sorry for the long title. It may sound strange, but it's almost like my "new" resolution for the rest of the year. Speaking of resolutions... the 1st quarter of the year is long gone! Not sure if any of us are on track with our "new-years resolutions" - but I feel that anytime is a good time to start a positive habit/lifestyle change. So, in the spirit of Kaisen, there are a three things I want to improve upon myself this year.
First, my ability to listen. I don't mean "hearing people out", or trying to be a "solution provider". I mean to acquire the genuine, true skill and ability to listen to someone without trying to formulate answers and without judgement. Speaking about listening, this blog post by Eric Jacobson has ten tips on how to be a better listener. Half of which I know I will struggle with - namely: 3, 5,6,7 & 8. Coincidentally, I started "reading" the audio-book for What Got You Here Won't Get You There by Marshall Goldsmith. So far, I can tell that a HUGE part of successful people becoming more successful is indeed listening.A great concept Goldsmith introduces that I absolutely love is Feedforward. As important as feedback is, feedforward is an improvement in it's own right: looking ahead. Listening without trying to explain the past - understanding what can be done to improve for the future. In his own words: "If feedback is past tense, then feedforward is future perfect".
First, my ability to listen. I don't mean "hearing people out", or trying to be a "solution provider". I mean to acquire the genuine, true skill and ability to listen to someone without trying to formulate answers and without judgement. Speaking about listening, this blog post by Eric Jacobson has ten tips on how to be a better listener. Half of which I know I will struggle with - namely: 3, 5,6,7 & 8. Coincidentally, I started "reading" the audio-book for What Got You Here Won't Get You There by Marshall Goldsmith. So far, I can tell that a HUGE part of successful people becoming more successful is indeed listening.A great concept Goldsmith introduces that I absolutely love is Feedforward. As important as feedback is, feedforward is an improvement in it's own right: looking ahead. Listening without trying to explain the past - understanding what can be done to improve for the future. In his own words: "If feedback is past tense, then feedforward is future perfect".
Next, I am looking to do away with mediocrity.
Although it's one of my favorite posters in Despair.com, to be half-a$$ed about certain things can be lame. Especially when it comes to things that matter. This recent Leading Blog post from Leadership Now sums it up very nicely. Making the choice to embrace responsibility and have discipline over one's self is the best mediocrity-killer. I know I haven't gotten around doing a full blog entry yet on "Think and Grow Rich" - there is one small, yet powerful phrase anyone can repeat to one's self every day to fend-off the status quo:
The exception - when it draws tourism...
Although it's one of my favorite posters in Despair.com, to be half-a$$ed about certain things can be lame. Especially when it comes to things that matter. This recent Leading Blog post from Leadership Now sums it up very nicely. Making the choice to embrace responsibility and have discipline over one's self is the best mediocrity-killer. I know I haven't gotten around doing a full blog entry yet on "Think and Grow Rich" - there is one small, yet powerful phrase anyone can repeat to one's self every day to fend-off the status quo:
"Every day, in every way, I am getting better and better"
Lastly, I would like to redefine what is "serious". There is a quote I heard a long time ago:
"Don't take life too seriously, nobody ever makes it out alive anyway"
-Bugs Bunny
So, why am I trying to make light of seriousness? There is a particular attitude or outlook many leaders have that pierces the darkness of the stern reality that some may take "too seriously". No - I don't know how they do it, but I intend to learn this skill someday as well.
What am I talking about?
The ability for a leader to remain positive and even demonstrate humor during a tough time. This is something that is admirable and noteworthy regardless of anyone's opinion. Why? It lifts the spirits and puts things into perspective for those who are following. This allows for the followers to actually keep fighting the fight instead of getting bogged-down or depressed. A few weeks ago, Linked2Leadership had this great post on the Top 5 Most Important Leadership Traits. Among them are positive attitude and humor. After all, if the world is not coming to an end, all things can be solved (you'd hope )
In closing - I would be most appreciative if everyone could help me with this. That is - give me feedforward... what I can do to improve this blog. It cannot take more than a few minutes, and it would help me to practice my "listening".. not to mention keep me away from just being mediocre in keeping up with my blog :)
"Don't take life too seriously, nobody ever makes it out alive anyway"
-Bugs Bunny
So, why am I trying to make light of seriousness? There is a particular attitude or outlook many leaders have that pierces the darkness of the stern reality that some may take "too seriously". No - I don't know how they do it, but I intend to learn this skill someday as well.
What am I talking about?
The ability for a leader to remain positive and even demonstrate humor during a tough time. This is something that is admirable and noteworthy regardless of anyone's opinion. Why? It lifts the spirits and puts things into perspective for those who are following. This allows for the followers to actually keep fighting the fight instead of getting bogged-down or depressed. A few weeks ago, Linked2Leadership had this great post on the Top 5 Most Important Leadership Traits. Among them are positive attitude and humor. After all, if the world is not coming to an end, all things can be solved (you'd hope )
In closing - I would be most appreciative if everyone could help me with this. That is - give me feedforward... what I can do to improve this blog. It cannot take more than a few minutes, and it would help me to practice my "listening".. not to mention keep me away from just being mediocre in keeping up with my blog :)
