In a recent post, John Maxwell discussed some of the keys to personal growth. In particular, he highlights how important it is to intentionally control and promote growth.
One particular contrast:
Accidental Growth: Thinks Like a Victim
Intentional Growth: Thinks Like a Learner
Many great leaders and successful people have learned from their challenges whereas it would be easy to act as a victim. Mohandas Gandhi went through numerous challenge, learned from them, used the knowledge to success in the future. Early in his career, Walt Disney had artistic staff members lured away from him and had his distributors thwart the release of some of his early film. Neither Gandhi nor Disney played the victim. They learned from the challenges and move on better prepared to succeed in the future.
Leaders have daily and weekly challenges. After each challenge, ask "what can I learn from this?" If you keep a journal, use this as a starting question each day.
Sunday, September 30, 2012
Saturday, September 29, 2012
De Pree Questions for Leaders, Part II
Will I reach my potential by working with you?
This is one of the questions that Max De Pree suggests leaders should expect. In a previous post, De Pree list of questions was provided. De Pree is the former CEO of Herman Miller Furniture and writes on leadership and business management.
Often, people are hesitant about discussing such questions with their managers and leaders. Good leaders should ask and encourage such questions. You many want to start the conversation with a related question such as "how do you see your role in the organization evolving?" This will start them talking about themselves before going into the more difficult topic of you as their leader.
What is good? What is bad?
Move the conversation by discussing what you as a leader had done to move them towards their potential. Then discuss how you are holding them back. If the conversation needs more encouragement and direction, consider these three areas: freedom, challenges, support.
You may be tempted to come out of this conversation with a quick list of action items. The ideal goal of this conversation is to provide broad guidance for future decisions and mentoring.
Sometimes, the leader's truthful answer to this question is no, you will not reach your potential with me. There may be a mismatch in chemistry between the person and the leader. There may be a mismatch in vision or approach. The sooner this is addressed, the better. Alternate plans can be pursued.
This is one of the questions that Max De Pree suggests leaders should expect. In a previous post, De Pree list of questions was provided. De Pree is the former CEO of Herman Miller Furniture and writes on leadership and business management.
Often, people are hesitant about discussing such questions with their managers and leaders. Good leaders should ask and encourage such questions. You many want to start the conversation with a related question such as "how do you see your role in the organization evolving?" This will start them talking about themselves before going into the more difficult topic of you as their leader.
What is good? What is bad?
Move the conversation by discussing what you as a leader had done to move them towards their potential. Then discuss how you are holding them back. If the conversation needs more encouragement and direction, consider these three areas: freedom, challenges, support.
You may be tempted to come out of this conversation with a quick list of action items. The ideal goal of this conversation is to provide broad guidance for future decisions and mentoring.
Sometimes, the leader's truthful answer to this question is no, you will not reach your potential with me. There may be a mismatch in chemistry between the person and the leader. There may be a mismatch in vision or approach. The sooner this is addressed, the better. Alternate plans can be pursued.
Saturday, September 22, 2012
Novogratz on a Life of Immersion
Jacqueline Novogratz is the founder and CEO of the Acumen Fund. Her efforts to start Acumen is highlighted in John Maxwell's Book, Put Your Dream To The Test (Thomas Nelson, Inc., 2011). Maxwell uses Novogratz work as an example of someone for whom "working toward her dream brings her satisfaction."
Novogratz has presented at TED several times. In 2010, she gave a talk entitled "Inspiring a life of immersion". She gave several powerful examples of colleagues who have taken the difficult path in life and continued to learn on the way. One colleague, Josephat Byaruhanga, reflected on the need for leaders to listen and be humble. "So I conclude that, in many ways, leadership is like a panicle of rice. Because at the height of the season, at the height of its powers, it's beautiful, it's green, it nourishes the world, it reaches to the heavens. But right before the harvest, it bends over with great gratitude and humility to touch the earth from where it came."
Novogratz has presented at TED several times. In 2010, she gave a talk entitled "Inspiring a life of immersion". She gave several powerful examples of colleagues who have taken the difficult path in life and continued to learn on the way. One colleague, Josephat Byaruhanga, reflected on the need for leaders to listen and be humble. "So I conclude that, in many ways, leadership is like a panicle of rice. Because at the height of the season, at the height of its powers, it's beautiful, it's green, it nourishes the world, it reaches to the heavens. But right before the harvest, it bends over with great gratitude and humility to touch the earth from where it came."
Friday, September 21, 2012
Shuttle Final Flyover Skips Rocket Engine Facility
LAist had a post of about how the final flight of the Space Shuttle Endeavor skipped the San Fernando Valley. The Valley has always been a major location for aerospace development.
In particular, Pratt and Whitney Rocketdyne in Canoga Park is the facility that manufactured the Space Shuttle Main Engines (SSMEs). In a press release, Pratt and Whitney said, "But with the program officially over, we are looking to an uncertain legacy and future. It’s critical – now more than ever – for NASA to define its plan for returning humans to space. The nation cannot afford to lose its industrial base, leadership in space, and the knowledge it’s built over the last 50 years. Once that knowledge is gone, it’s gone forever.”
Monday, September 17, 2012
More On Authenticity and Leadership
Continuing on the theme of authenticity in leadership . . . .
In The Leadership Challenge by James Kouzes and Barry Posner, there is a powerful passage on how leaders need to be authentic, sincere, and passionate.
You must know what you care about. If you don't care, how can you expect others to do so? If you don't burn with desire to be true to something you hold passionately, how can you expect commitment from others? And until you get close enough to flame to feel the heat, how can you know the source? You can only be authentic when you lead according to the principles that matter most to you. Otherwise you're just putting on an act.
Many leaders pour their efforts into many areas. Beyond their normal job, they may be passionate about a non-profit organization, passionate about an artistic hobby, or passionate about athletic endeavors. Being passionate in many areas of life is important to be an authentic leader.
In The Leadership Challenge by James Kouzes and Barry Posner, there is a powerful passage on how leaders need to be authentic, sincere, and passionate.
You must know what you care about. If you don't care, how can you expect others to do so? If you don't burn with desire to be true to something you hold passionately, how can you expect commitment from others? And until you get close enough to flame to feel the heat, how can you know the source? You can only be authentic when you lead according to the principles that matter most to you. Otherwise you're just putting on an act.
Many leaders pour their efforts into many areas. Beyond their normal job, they may be passionate about a non-profit organization, passionate about an artistic hobby, or passionate about athletic endeavors. Being passionate in many areas of life is important to be an authentic leader.
Sunday, September 16, 2012
Leaders Need Authentic Relationships
Dan Rockwell writes a great blog called Leadership Freak. He provides insight on a number of topics in the field of leadership.
Recently, he had a post on how leaders need authentic relationships with other leaders. One suggestion that Rockwell gives is "take the first step by opening up, authentically. Don’t spill your guts. Just toss a bit of your heart out."
I am trying to connect to other leaders, both inside and outside my company. More and more, I have been opening up to others. When others talk, I listen carefully to those small "bits of their hearts." Sometimes, I ask them more details about those comments later.
Max De Pree talks about how many aspects of leadership are fragile. Authentic connections are fragile. A lot of care is needed to start them and a lot of care is needed to nurture them.
Recently, he had a post on how leaders need authentic relationships with other leaders. One suggestion that Rockwell gives is "take the first step by opening up, authentically. Don’t spill your guts. Just toss a bit of your heart out."
I am trying to connect to other leaders, both inside and outside my company. More and more, I have been opening up to others. When others talk, I listen carefully to those small "bits of their hearts." Sometimes, I ask them more details about those comments later.
Max De Pree talks about how many aspects of leadership are fragile. Authentic connections are fragile. A lot of care is needed to start them and a lot of care is needed to nurture them.
Saturday, September 15, 2012
Kubrick and "The Making of The Shining"
I have been reviewing some of Stanley Kubrick's work. Kubrick is a great example of a visionary and someone strongly driven by passion.
As part of the "Stanley Kubrick Collection" on VHS, "The Shining" stars off with "The Making of The Shining" by Stanley's wife, Vivian Kubrick.
Two particular scenes stood out.
As part of the "Stanley Kubrick Collection" on VHS, "The Shining" stars off with "The Making of The Shining" by Stanley's wife, Vivian Kubrick.
Two particular scenes stood out.
- At a large table, Jack Nicholson is reviewing lines at one corner, Shelley Duvall is reviewing lines at another corner, and Stanley Kubrick is typing new script revisions at another corner. There are several points in "The Making of The Shining" where they discuss the on-going evolution of the script.
- There is one scene in the movie where Nicholson is locked in a walk-in freeze and he is talking to Duvall. In planning the scene, Stanley Kubrick is looking for the best angle to film. He finally decides on lying down with a camera under Nicholas who is leaning against the freeze door.
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Education and Attracting Success
"Success is not to be pursued; it is to be attracted by the person we become.” — Jim Rohn
This is the basis for self-improvement and education. This concept separates those who merely attend and those who internalize a topic. How many people do you know who attended a class, seminar, or training, but really don't absorb much.
Some people debate the value of higher education. One of the key results of a college degree or a graduate degree is to put oneself in a mindset so that future success can be easily attracted. Education helps one see value in things which may be easily overlooked. There may be an idea, a conversation, a book, or an event that an educated, curious person will able to use as a growth opportunity.
This is the basis for self-improvement and education. This concept separates those who merely attend and those who internalize a topic. How many people do you know who attended a class, seminar, or training, but really don't absorb much.
Some people debate the value of higher education. One of the key results of a college degree or a graduate degree is to put oneself in a mindset so that future success can be easily attracted. Education helps one see value in things which may be easily overlooked. There may be an idea, a conversation, a book, or an event that an educated, curious person will able to use as a growth opportunity.
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Walt Disney's Support of the Military in WWII
Walt Disney: An American Original by Bob Thomas (Simon & Schuster, 1976) is a good business biography. It covers Disney's life, often highlighting his passion to entertain people, the power of his vision, and his creativity.
It was particularly interesting in describing Disney's support of the military in World War II. Several events stood out.
It was particularly interesting in describing Disney's support of the military in World War II. Several events stood out.
- Early in the war, Disney started making training videos for the War Industry as well as for the military. Some of his films included Four Methods of Flush Riveting for Lockheed Aircraft and Aircraft Carrier Landing Signals for the Navy.
- Disney was losing a lot of artist to the draft. The Draft Board assume that the artist were just making Mickey Mouse. Walt Disney decided to bring the Draft Board into the studio to see the war efforts. The Draft Board members had to be cleared by Army Intelligence, Naval Intelligence, and the FBI, and they were still areas of the studio which were off limit due to the top secret nature of the work. The Draft Board changed its mind and re-assigned drafted employees back to Disney Studios.
- Walt Disney was a big fan of the book Victory Through Air Power by Alexander de Seversky. Disney worked with de Seversky to make a film about the principles in the book. Roosevelt and Churchill saw the film in the summer of 1943. The film is credited with the increased role of air power in the D-Day invasion.
Saturday, September 8, 2012
Supermarket Changes in San Fernando Valley
There are a few changes occurring with supermarkets in San Fernando Valley. First, the San Fernando Valley Business Journal recently ran an article about the closing of three Albertsons Supermarket locations. The locations include one at Van Nuys Boulevard and Sherman Way in Van Nuys; one at Devonshire Street and Reseda Boulevard in Northridge; and the location at Central Avenue and Chevy Chase Drive in Glendale.
A major renovation is occurring at the Ralph's Supermarket at Ventura and Hazeltine in Sherman Oaks. Several posts at Curbed LA discuss the long battle for the project's approval.
A major renovation is occurring at the Ralph's Supermarket at Ventura and Hazeltine in Sherman Oaks. Several posts at Curbed LA discuss the long battle for the project's approval.
Friday, September 7, 2012
Art in Los Angeles: Great Time
Zocalo Public Square sponsored a panel discussion in Los Angeles Grand Park on the topics of How Can L.A.’s Art Museums Thrive? One of the panelists was Los Angeles County Museum of Art Director Michael Govan. Govan had two good comments lon the state of art in Los Angeles. (Rough quotes.)
"If you include the visual arts in Hollywood along with the other artists, photographers, and sculptors, there are more artists in Los Angeles now than in any city ever in history."
"Los Angeles museums are often compared to New York musuems. Most Los Angeles museums are much younger and only now coming into their own. Los Angeles museums now are growing and evolving like the New York museums of the 1940's, 1950's, and 1960's."
Govan feels that overall this is a great time to be involved in art in Los Angeles.
"If you include the visual arts in Hollywood along with the other artists, photographers, and sculptors, there are more artists in Los Angeles now than in any city ever in history."
"Los Angeles museums are often compared to New York musuems. Most Los Angeles museums are much younger and only now coming into their own. Los Angeles museums now are growing and evolving like the New York museums of the 1940's, 1950's, and 1960's."
Govan feels that overall this is a great time to be involved in art in Los Angeles.
Thursday, September 6, 2012
Multi-Faceted Careers
Most of use realize that the economy and the career world has changed. One no longer gets a college degree in Field X, the gets a job in Field X, and then works for 40 years in that job until retirement.
Adam Richardson had a good post today on Harvard Business Review (HBR.com), entitled "Lessons from a Career, Interrupted." He explains his own career path mixing design work and research. His challenge was some companies could not see the role for a "hybrid" employee. Richardson points out that such multi-faceted hybrid professional are often the one able to approach and solve unique problems.
There are two aspects of my own career that I would recommend to others who are interested in a multi-faceted career and are in the early preparation stage or in a later transitional stage.
Experimental Science Research: Often, experimental research involves hands-on equipment work beyond the scientific problem being explored. Many researchers become experts in machining, electronics, and programming just to study a different field. Learning these specialties gives someone the appreciation of the low-level details. Plus, they have the basic knowledge and common language to communicate with experts they need. Many careers today involve learning new skills to adjust to changes.
Small Business Operations: I have started up businesses as well as had core roles within independent departments. One quickly learns about accounting, human resources, payroll, marketing, vendor relations, IT, and facilities. Being involved in all aspects can be overwhelming, but the global view allows you to see synergies and advantages that may be misses.
Adam Richardson had a good post today on Harvard Business Review (HBR.com), entitled "Lessons from a Career, Interrupted." He explains his own career path mixing design work and research. His challenge was some companies could not see the role for a "hybrid" employee. Richardson points out that such multi-faceted hybrid professional are often the one able to approach and solve unique problems.
There are two aspects of my own career that I would recommend to others who are interested in a multi-faceted career and are in the early preparation stage or in a later transitional stage.
Experimental Science Research: Often, experimental research involves hands-on equipment work beyond the scientific problem being explored. Many researchers become experts in machining, electronics, and programming just to study a different field. Learning these specialties gives someone the appreciation of the low-level details. Plus, they have the basic knowledge and common language to communicate with experts they need. Many careers today involve learning new skills to adjust to changes.
Small Business Operations: I have started up businesses as well as had core roles within independent departments. One quickly learns about accounting, human resources, payroll, marketing, vendor relations, IT, and facilities. Being involved in all aspects can be overwhelming, but the global view allows you to see synergies and advantages that may be misses.
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Questions Leaders Should Expect: De Pree
Leaders should expect the following questions from their followers.
From Leadership Jazz by Max De Pree (New York, Dell Publishing, 1992).
Max De Pree was CEO of Herman Miller and guided it to outstanding levels in terms of Top Companies to Work For and Most Profitable Companies. In his writings, he takes examples from Herman Miller to convey solid leadership principles.
From the eight questions above, "Can I achieve my own goals by following you?" is a very challenging one for leaders to address with their followers. Each follower has a list of distinct goals.
The first step for the leader is to build the trust so that the follower can openly share. This will take time and constant work. Consider the interview situation. One common question for the candidate is "What are your goals." Everyone knows the answer will be slanted toward what the hiring manger wants to hear. As the leader builds the relationship over time, the follower will feel comfortable to to go beyond the safe, generic interview goals and start sharing her true goals.
Once the leader learns the goals of the followers, the leaders should look for ways to bridge various activities to the activities of the organization. The leader should constantly expand their outlook so that they can see various connections. For example, if a follower has a goal to eventual start their own business, the leaders can introduce new roles and there connection to starting that new business.
- What may I expect from you?
- Can I achieve my own goals by following you?
- Will I reach my potential by working with you?
- Can I entrust my future to you?
- Have you bothered to prepare yourself for leadership?
- Are you ready to be ruthlessly honest?
- Do you have the self-confidence and trust to let me do my job?
- What do you believe?
From Leadership Jazz by Max De Pree (New York, Dell Publishing, 1992).
Max De Pree was CEO of Herman Miller and guided it to outstanding levels in terms of Top Companies to Work For and Most Profitable Companies. In his writings, he takes examples from Herman Miller to convey solid leadership principles.
From the eight questions above, "Can I achieve my own goals by following you?" is a very challenging one for leaders to address with their followers. Each follower has a list of distinct goals.
The first step for the leader is to build the trust so that the follower can openly share. This will take time and constant work. Consider the interview situation. One common question for the candidate is "What are your goals." Everyone knows the answer will be slanted toward what the hiring manger wants to hear. As the leader builds the relationship over time, the follower will feel comfortable to to go beyond the safe, generic interview goals and start sharing her true goals.
Once the leader learns the goals of the followers, the leaders should look for ways to bridge various activities to the activities of the organization. The leader should constantly expand their outlook so that they can see various connections. For example, if a follower has a goal to eventual start their own business, the leaders can introduce new roles and there connection to starting that new business.
Monday, September 3, 2012
Watercolor Comparison: Boyle and Leven, North Hollywood
"Two Friends, Two Artists"
The personal watercolors of production designers Robert F. Boyle and Boris Leven
Until 8 September
Gallery800 at the Lankershim Arts Center
Robert Boyle is best known for work on North by Northwest and Fiddler on the Roof.
Boris Leven is best known for work on The Sound of Music and West Side Story.
As friends and classmates from USC, they would take outings and both paint watercolors of the same scene. The exhibit at Gallery 800 shows side by side some of these works depicting rural California and Los Angeles. Some picture are Baldwin Hills Oil Fields, others are barns and farmyards.
www.gallery800.com
A link to the exhibit webpage is here: http://www.adg.org/?store=art&art=boyle_leven
The personal watercolors of production designers Robert F. Boyle and Boris Leven
Until 8 September
Gallery800 at the Lankershim Arts Center
Robert Boyle is best known for work on North by Northwest and Fiddler on the Roof.
Boris Leven is best known for work on The Sound of Music and West Side Story.
As friends and classmates from USC, they would take outings and both paint watercolors of the same scene. The exhibit at Gallery 800 shows side by side some of these works depicting rural California and Los Angeles. Some picture are Baldwin Hills Oil Fields, others are barns and farmyards.
www.gallery800.com
A link to the exhibit webpage is here: http://www.adg.org/?store=art&art=boyle_leven
 |
| From Galley800 Website |
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