When was the last time you had a good laugh? It has been said that the best medicine is laughter. As we navigate our lives, we need to take time to stop and not just smell the roses but to laugh at ourselves. Opening up to our vulnerabilities so that we can appreciate that everyone is made of the same awkward moments in time.
In working with our clients, we are large proponents of measuring performance to determine progress. It is about understanding and appreciating what is being accomplished and how that is advancing in the desired direction of the goals. It is also about learning what works well and what needs attention to make it contribute in a more effective and efficient way on the path to results.
In a world where Trust and Truth are twisted and confused, it is good to know that making and keeping “Promises” still exists. That deeper level of commitment when a covenant is formed between one or more people to effect good in the world.
Day in and day out, as business leaders, we make strides to run an efficient and effective business. As individuals we also take steps to becoming a better version of ourselves. We attempt these upgrades by building routines into our everyday lives both at work and outside of work.
The richness of our cultures were seeded with big dreams. It is from the planting of a single seed that a great tree can grow in the forest. The tree can withstand harsh weather from wind and rain or the cold of winter or heat of a summer drought. Our cultures grow like a tree being tested in the weather changes. The culture survives and adapts to the everchanging challenges it faces.
Last week I must have struck a chord in some people based on the reactions received. When the concept of avoiding conflict was linked to avoiding revenue there was plenty to discuss. In fact, it almost proved my point. The article caused conflict and the conflict distracted away from the point. So, this week we attempt to bring some additional insights to the table for your consideration.
Cultures exist in many places. From the family to the boardroom and across continents cultures not just exist but thrive. What ingredients are needed for cultures to thrive? Do rules contribute to a thriving culture? Does chaos contribute to a thriving culture? If culture is like a great bowl of soup then too much of any one spice or ingredient may spoil the flavors of the whole enjoyment. If those ingredients or spices are left out then the enjoyment is reduced because it is missing something special.
As a business leader you are in business to __________. There are many answers to this question when I ask business leaders. From ownership to money to providing goods and services etc. What is interesting is that none of these are possible to attain unless you solve someone else’s challenges. To solve someone else’s challenges, you must help them deal with the conflict that challenge is causing them.
2021 continues to unfold many new opportunities and challenges. One challenge we all face is the ability to decipher and discern all of the various narratives which are expanding at exponential rates. Think of any one topic and dig into all of the various narratives which fill the air. As our culture navigates the volumes of narratives, may we each seek more than what is obvious to the naked eye but seek further into the truth which is captured within.