In
order to grow and succeed – to contribute to the growth of those around us - one
cannot do only what has been assigned (regardless of how well each individual
assignment is performed). Looking back towards
where we have been rather than ahead towards where we wish to be – remaining content
with the present rather than building upon it as a springboard to the future by
doing what works as opposed to seeking what might work better – are signs of a
life in stagnation. If one wishes to
achieve “the possible” rather than being content to accomplish only those
things that have already been done, the thoughts, ideas and abilities of others
must be incorporated into our individual dreams of the future to enhance and
transform “what is” into “what could be.”
In order to ensure that such transformation can occur we must:
1) Understand the difference between efficiency with
effectiveness. An e-mail may be efficient, but
a conversation might more effectively resolve an issue without extended
“replies and clarifications.” Effective
individuals make sure that every investment of time and/or energy has a direct
and measurable impact – they accomplish things that need doing in order to move
forward – and do them well – rarely wasting time or energy doing unnecessary things
that “might be nice” but are not related to the accomplishment of their
objectives. Efficient individuals
accomplish all things well whether or not they serve to advance their cause or
move them towards a defined objective.
An immediate e-mail communication may efficiently promote conversation
but might not effectively resolve an issue.
2) Recognize that NOBODY is irreplaceable. If an individual
feels that nobody could EVER do what he or she does, that person has probably (unknowingly)
limited what he or she can accomplish. When
we feel nobody could ever do the things we do as well as we do them – and
accept that as an unwavering paradigm – we become so enamored with our
abilities that we fail to identify our possibilities. If nobody else can do (or even wishes to try
doing) what you can then you will never advance beyond the rung of the ladder
upon which you have firmly positioned yourself – potentially poised for
greatness but unable to progress from where you are to where you wish to be.
3) Acknowledge that you MAY NOT know all the answers. Though it
may seem that whatever some do or say is right – that any direction they take
turns out to be the path that is chosen – nobody has the experience or abilities
to make all the right decisions regardless of the situation, environment or
time-frame. In reality, people knowing
how to think through all the possibilities so they can ask the right questions are
much more valuable than those who feel they are able to give all the right
answers. One must always be open to new
ideas, techniques, and ways of doing things.
We can truly contribute to our organization’s success and profitability
– or experience all that life could offer – ONLY after identifying the
limitations of current systems, policies, practices or procedures by asking
questions about how they might be improved.
Nothing will change, however, until we decide to act – to move forward by
implementing the answers received of the questions we ask (rather than doing
things as we have always done them because we think we know all the answers
ourselves).
4) ALWAYS give credit to others. People recognizing and
acknowledging the ideas and actions of others tend to share a never-ending ride
to the success (and glory) – enjoying a seemingly unlimited potential “upside”
while tempering their individual “downside” risk. Those that take credit for another’s ideas
had better like themselves a lot because they may not have supportive friends
to prop them up in the future.
5) Add to existing abilities and upgrade outdated skills while refusing to
accept “what is” as “what will always be.” What was once necessary to maintain a
life-long job or to enjoy a long-lasting relationship is no longer sufficient. Employees who refuse to learn new skills or
different ways of doing things typically fail to grow – those who refuse to
retrain may not remain. Unless an
individual brings more into a relationship than he or she could ever expect it
to return – is willing to give another more than is taken (unconditionally and
without expectations), seeking to gain more by sharing than by receiving – he or
she will never realize the treasures awaiting them beyond their current
reality.
While
we may be able to start a race on our own, we need the help, support and
efforts of those around us to finish.
Life is not a sprint – it is a marathon.
To accomplish much, we must give much.
To receive support from those around us we must first encourage and
support their individual growth. To rise
to the top – to finish the race – we must not only build the foundation upon
which we stand (so that we are firmly rooted in our convictions) but we must accept
the encouragement and support of those around us as we grow – recognizing both
our ability AND our need to change – if we seek to “travel where no one has
previously gone” in order to achieve that which has not been previously
accomplished.
