Thinking Differently

 I sat next to a woman on my flight this weekend who was returning from an intensive corporate training session for an well-known chain.  When I asked her if she could define the central belief of the company she responded, ‘profit is in the little details.’  That is an actionable sentiment but I was perplexed as to how it could reflect the organization’s core belief.  It might be a ‘how’ in Simon Sinek’s Golden Circle but not the ‘why.’ It was a safe response but not different or inspiring.  After three weeks this was at the top of her mind.  It reminds me of Hugh Macleod’s cartoon about climbing a ladder to nowhere.  The tag line feels like progress but it is unsupported.  As Simon says, ‘people do not buy what you do they buy why you do it.’

Looking to think differently and surround yourself with those who choose an unconventional approach?  Chris Guillebeau’s World Domination Summit is about to open the next round of registration.  This is the most compelling and inspiring conference I attend each year.  It fascinates, expands my way of thinking, and provides a safe platform from which to discuss innovative ideas.  If you are looking to lean your ladder against something, make sure it is worth climbing.

I Cannot be Bothered

The white terrier raced down the trail at full alert.  It proceeded to swing behind me on the single track foothills trail and nip at my heals as I continued my run uphill towards the descending dog’s owner.  For three minutes I was corralled by the terrier as it barked and nipped at me.  Reaching the dog’s owner (who offered no verbal instruction to the dog) she apologized halfheartedly and continued on.  The terrier was already racing off to chase the next hiker behind me.

We all have habits we have no intention of correcting.  Acts that break the social contract or do not conform with expected practices.  If we are authentic in our communication about these behaviors, people will give us latitude.  However, when we ignore them and act as if they happen in isolation on rare occasions, it breaks our trust.  We embrace the eccentric when we understand.  However, pretending to be one way and acting another with not intention of changing does not breed loyalty.

The 12th Step

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Addiction programs of note have 12 steps to recovery.   Individuals who complete 11 of 12 steps have a higher likelihood to lapse back into their addictive behavior than those who complete all the steps.  Said differently, individuals who make it 90% of the way stumble far more than those who go one level further.  What makes the 12th step so powerful?  The 12th step is a commitment to mentor another person who has suffered from the addiction.  The act of giving ourselves in the service of others has a profound and lasting impact.

If a friend tells you they donated $1,000 to a charity it may be impressive but it might not be a transformational act.  If your friend told you they gave their Saturday to refurbish a charity’s program center, we are inspired.  The commitment of our time and expertise has more of a far-reaching impact than the investment of capital.  The act of donating our time is valued more than our treasure.  If we offer our time in the service of others it inspires and builds a committed tribe.

* Another post from a day with Simon Sinek in New York City.
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