Thought for the Day

“Mindfulness at work is being kind and collaborative in our interactions, keeping mutual goals in mind, and also keeping in mind that everyone deserves to be happy.” 

- Lama Tenzin Dhonde

Reflection, Contemplation and Leadership?

Thanks to whoever sent me the book "Leadership Wisdom From The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari" by Robin Sharma.

The first insight I appreciated (other than the fun title) was, "Reflection and contemplation are among the most important of all business skills." 

We don't often think of these leadership competencies as a part of business (or busy-ness) and yet what if they were?

Imagine an office where people (regardless of title) allowed time and space for the wisest part of them to lead by:

• Staring out the window 
• Pausing and regrouping between meetings
• Sitting with their legs up on a desk pondering
• Attending to energetic and emotional shifts (in self and others)
• Being outside for breaks or lunch
• Listening beneath words
• Walking mindfully
• Asking, "Is it my assignment?"
• Responding to biorhythms
• Breathing more deeply
• Aligning with seasonal cycles
• Allowing silence to reveal 
• Meditating
• Appreciating calm and quiet

What difference would these practices make to leadership, team and organizational health? Try a few (or make up your own) and see for yourself.

For more explore www.robinsharma.com/resources. And....for those of you who devalue your expertise, Mr. Sharma also has a great story about Pablo Picasso. He drew a little sketch for an admirer later in his career and then asked for $1 million dollars. The lady replied, $1million dollars for 30 seconds?"He said, "My dear, it took me 30 years to draw that in 30 seconds."

Problem, Dilemma or Mystery?

We've learned it's important to distinguish between a problem and a dilemma.

A problem has a beginning and end, invites many possible solutions and can be resolved. Those with the problem often have the answer. A dilemma is an ongoing paradox that needs a strategy. It acknowledges a polar tension between two opposing yet important criteria. Those with dilemmas need to align around ways to meet dual, never-ending needs such as improve quality/reduce cost, enhance safety/maximize speed or increase productivity/minimize stress.

However, what about mystery? In reading The Boss column from The NY Times Business Section, the Executive Director of WhyHunger shares a learning from the teachings of Gabriel Marcel, a French Philosopher. "There are problems and there is mystery. You can get your head around a problem eventually but you can't control a mystery. You can only live it."

Consider your current challenges. Which ones are problems to solve, dilemmas to strategize or mysteries to experience?

Teamwork is a Strategic Decision!

Patrick Lencioni has shifted from talking about team dysfunction to the strategic advantage of team work. This approach is more inviting and the strength of his position is one I share. He states, "Team work is not a virtue it is a choice. It is a strategic decision not a default."

Like anything of value, teaming takes work and (dare I say it) sacrifice. In sports it's a given. Millions of dollars are invested in cutting edge strategy, nutrition, exercise, assessment, psychology, coaching, recruiting, medicine and daily practice. In business we still throw groups of people together and say, "go win the game" neglecting to provide the vision, support, training and scoreboard necessary to sustain high performance. Why?

Do we really believe a team is greater than the sum of its parts? Are we overwhelmed by all the books on the topic? Are we tired of team building that generates smiles but not numbers? Do we expect to win without practice? Are we demotivated by outdated performance management systems? Do we believe collaboration takes more time? Do we expect our leaders to drive performance? Are we reliant on fear-based strategies that seem to work? Do we want ease at the expense of results?  Have we lost a common cause? Are we hypnotized by our never-ending to do list?

If you want the benefits of stellar team performance (innovation, higher profit margins, better customer loyalty, lower health care costs, happier employees) what are you willing to invest? How much time, energy, attention and money are you willing to give to cultivate it? Lencioni asserts "teamwork is the last competitive advantage in business." What do you think?

Here is a 1 minute video http://www.tablegroup.com/pat/?tab=pov (click on "Pat on Teamwork") to ponder.

Our Strategic Team Alignment Programs explore team myths, measure success and provide a roadmap to accelerate synergy. Yes it is possible!