Unique Talents

Tuesday March 31, 2015 #712

“Everyone is a genius.  But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing it’s stupid.”

~Albert Einstein

Each of us has innate skills and talents, as well as activities and interests we are most passionate about.  If we are fortunate, we are able to bring those skills and talents to work and activities that bring us joy.  If not, we may find ourselves trudging through a life in which our talents are not utilized, and our passions are not realized.  Too often, we expect people to be something they aren’t.  Or others expect this of us.  It is important for you to understand your unique strengths and utilize them in a way that brings you satisfaction.  If you are in a position of leadership, it is important to recognize the talents of each of the people in your team, understand what they are passionate about, and strive to match these to tasks and roles that maximize their contributions and engagement.  Don’t stay in roles that require you to be something you are not or do not make use of your unique talents, and do not ask this of others.

Evolving Beliefs

Thursday March 26, 2015 #711

“I can’t understand why people are frightened by new ideas. I’m frightened of the old ones.”

~John Cage

We live in a time of accelerating change which, because of most people’s abject fear of change, creates anxiety and bad behavior.  Often this translates into closed communities of like-minded folks who fight to keep their way of thinking unchanged.  This is most obvious with religion and ethnicity but also is seen in corporate silos and even family factions.  This can lead to xenophobia, prejudice and discrimination.

In my view, other than core ethical areas such as honesty and human kindness, we are at our best when we allow our beliefs to evolve.  When confronted with differing views, rather than finding fault, seek to understand. You do not need to adopt the other viewpoint, but neither do you need to be afraid of it or fight against it.

Change is the only constant – learn, understand, evolve.

Miscommunication

Friday February 28, 2014 #605

 

“I know that you believe that you understood what you think I said, but I am not sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant.”

 

~Robert McCloskey

 

Ah – the challenges of human to human communication!  Whether our communication is verbal, or in writing, what we say is rarely fully understood as intended.  A colleague recently related the story of giving a carefully scripted presentation to his team.  After finishing, he asked each of them what they heard.  It took until the 5^th or 6^th person, for someone to repeat back the salient points of the presentation. Two points here:  First, we must realize that despite our best effort, most of what we say is misinterpreted to some degree or even unheard.  Second, it is a mark of a strong leader to seek to ensure his message is understood.  Only then can we know if and how we must clarify our communication to ensure understanding.

Being Ready for Opportunities

Thursday November 14, 2013 #576

 

“If you spend your whole life waiting for the storm, you’ll never enjoy the sunshine.”

~Morris West

 

It is prudent to understand your environment including risks and your weaknesses.  However, once these are understood, spend your time focusing on your strengths and the many opportunities open to you.  In this way, you will ensure you are open to and ready for the sunshine when it presents itself, rather than hiding in the darkness.

Open Mind, Open Heart

Tuesday September 3, 2013 #555

 

“When the facts change, I change my mind. What do you do?”

 

~John Maynard Keynes

 

There is a tendency in much of society toward rigid belief systems, whether political, religious, technology preferences, and more.  Individuals determine there is only one truth and refuse to entertain the notion of a different point of view, despite factual evidence – to the point of refusal to listen and even violence.  I personally cannot understand this thinking and I hope you are also able to entertain differing views even on emotionally charged subjects.  No one person or one philosophy has the right to claim ultimate truth as there will always be new information, changing context, evolving cultural norms, new scientific discoveries, and more.  The greatness and the promise of our species is our ability to imagine possibilities and strive for better understanding. This can only be done with an open mind and an open heart.  Don’t fall prey to the lure of “ultimate truth” and those who espouse it.  Stay open.  Keep evolving.

Understanding balance

Tuesday December 18, 2012 #481

 

“For everything you have missed, you have gained something else, and for everything you gain, you lose something else.”

 

~Ralph Waldo Emerson

 

The universe requires balance.  No one gains success, achieves their dreams, accomplishes great things, without sacrifice.  You will lose something in the path to achievement.  Realize this with pragmatism and sober reflection.  Make your choices carefully knowing this truth.  The pain and failures along the way become far more bearable when you understand the cost of attaining your chosen goals.

Make the effort to ensure understanding

Thursday December 16, 2010 #276

 “The problem with communication is the illusion that it has occurred.”

~George Bernard Shaw

Many disagreements could be solved if we’d just take a moment to ensure our communication has been received as intended.  So often, we get upset with our partner, co-worker, etc. when they fail to understand what we think we have ably communicated.  When in fact, due to a myriad of reasons, our communication has not been received as intended.  Give yourself and those around you a break and make the effort to ensure understanding.  It is worth the effort!