“A
smooth sea never made a skilled sailor.” – English proverb
smooth sea never made a skilled sailor.” – English proverb
In a way, the quote above says it all. However, I would like
to peel this conversation in layers, like peeling an onion. I will take this
opportunity to uncover why some people are only comfortable with smooth seas or
situations. And others will comfortably sail into the storm.
to peel this conversation in layers, like peeling an onion. I will take this
opportunity to uncover why some people are only comfortable with smooth seas or
situations. And others will comfortably sail into the storm.
How we see the world will dictate the
actions we take. Some
see tough situations as life threatening. Others see the same situation as an opportunity to demonstrate their power or show what they are really made of.
What does this have to do with leadership? Everything! Anyone can lead an
organization when everything is going well. It is the person who can lead in
the face of breakdowns, disruptions, problems, economic crisis, etc. that will
make the best leader.
On paper, it would seem all people are equal. In reality,
that is never the case. For some, whether they encounter a person or situation,
they add their interpretation to what is occurring. What am I saying? Every
moment of our lives something occurs. Let’s call the occurring reality. Reality
is what is actually happening without the addition of our interpretation. We
add a fable to the reality. The fable is a representation of something that has
happened in our past or it is what our environment taught us to believe. For
the most part, fables are made up of judgments, opinions, assessments,
presuppositions, etc. We combine what is occurring – the reality – with the
fable in our minds. In effect, we have created a new reality. The new reality
does not exist, except in our minds. Yet, we react to it as though it is
actually happening.
that is never the case. For some, whether they encounter a person or situation,
they add their interpretation to what is occurring. What am I saying? Every
moment of our lives something occurs. Let’s call the occurring reality. Reality
is what is actually happening without the addition of our interpretation. We
add a fable to the reality. The fable is a representation of something that has
happened in our past or it is what our environment taught us to believe. For
the most part, fables are made up of judgments, opinions, assessments,
presuppositions, etc. We combine what is occurring – the reality – with the
fable in our minds. In effect, we have created a new reality. The new reality
does not exist, except in our minds. Yet, we react to it as though it is
actually happening.
For example, if the boss says good morning at work, we
interpret what his or her good morning means. We add a fable and say ‘did you
hear how he said good morning? He is in a bad mood.’ We add the fable to reality
and respond to the new manufactured reality as though it is a fact.
interpret what his or her good morning means. We add a fable and say ‘did you
hear how he said good morning? He is in a bad mood.’ We add the fable to reality
and respond to the new manufactured reality as though it is a fact.
Now, you may say ‘so what’. Well, if you are a leader and
you constantly interpret reality based on a fable, you may have a
misrepresentation of what is actually occurring. That misrepresentation can
cause you to poorly manage people and money. In other cases, it can cause you
to misjudge people and hire the wrong talent.
you constantly interpret reality based on a fable, you may have a
misrepresentation of what is actually occurring. That misrepresentation can
cause you to poorly manage people and money. In other cases, it can cause you
to misjudge people and hire the wrong talent.
The leader who interprets reality with a fable attached may
perform well when there are no problems. When the pressures from problems
arise, that same manager may rely too heavily on fables. For that manager, they will believe they have made the right decision, even though their decision is based on something that never happened. In fact, they will defend themselves
and justify why they made their choices. What they won’t see is their blind
spot – an inimical behavioral pattern that is hidden from self – and how it
causes them to misjudge.
perform well when there are no problems. When the pressures from problems
arise, that same manager may rely too heavily on fables. For that manager, they will believe they have made the right decision, even though their decision is based on something that never happened. In fact, they will defend themselves
and justify why they made their choices. What they won’t see is their blind
spot – an inimical behavioral pattern that is hidden from self – and how it
causes them to misjudge.
Before you add a fable to your perspective about this article, take a step back and examine the times you misjudged a person or situation. You may find a fable at the source.
For those who aspire to be a leader, it is wise to find
someone you trust. They should be someone who is insightful and committed to
your success, like an executive coach or mentor. They could be invaluable to
your ability to uncover blind spots and develop yourself as a great leader.
They will help you develop the skills to sail through smooth or turbulent
waters.
someone you trust. They should be someone who is insightful and committed to
your success, like an executive coach or mentor. They could be invaluable to
your ability to uncover blind spots and develop yourself as a great leader.
They will help you develop the skills to sail through smooth or turbulent
waters.
While it is safe to say all people add fables to reality,
there are some people who do it very often. For those who do it often, their
leadership could be dangerous to the organization. They may head down a path
that may serve self-interest. Needless to say, their decisions may not be in
the best interest of others. To be a great leader, it takes, development,
practice and a high commitment. How will you develop your leadership skills
today?
there are some people who do it very often. For those who do it often, their
leadership could be dangerous to the organization. They may head down a path
that may serve self-interest. Needless to say, their decisions may not be in
the best interest of others. To be a great leader, it takes, development,
practice and a high commitment. How will you develop your leadership skills
today?
What do you think? I’m open to ideas. Or if you want to
write me about a specific topic, let me know.
write me about a specific topic, let me know.