Welcome All!

If you do not adapt, if you do not learn, you will wither, you will die.

Monday, February 18, 2013

I do not mind to be the one to bring it up



The most destructive conversations in the workplace are the ones left unsaid. 

Most people instinctively avoid conflict even though good disagreement is central to progress.
  
Conflict avoidance and selective blindness lead managers, employees, and organizations astray.

Self-deception is inherent in the psychology of human beings. Self-deluded people believe that intention automatically translates into behavior.

The best partners aren’t echo-chambers and yes-men. The best teams allow people to deeply disagree.

One of the saddest phrases in the workplace: No one ever told me. 

When you avoid negative feedback and conflict, you lack accountability and you do a disservice to all involved. You waste everyone’s time.

There are many situations in the workplace where conversations benefit from subtlety and nuance. There are at least as many that need plain directness and courageous candor.

I choose my top two and went to work. 
Which one needs your attention most? Choose and get going. Now. 
Now isn't just the best time, but really the only time to start growing and improving. 

Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Wisdom from Lao Tzu


Bits and pieces from the Tao Te Ching. No explanations needed.

The best leader is one whose existence is barely known
Next best is one who is loved and praised
Next is one who is feared
Worst of all is a leader who is despised
If you fail to trust people
They won’t turn out to be trustworthy

The wise person sets an example by
         Emptying his mind
         Opening his heart
         Relaxing his ambitions
         Relinquishing his desires
         Cultivating his character
Having conquered his own cunning and cravings
He can’t be manipulated by anyone.

Knowing others is intelligence
Knowing the self is enlightenment
Conquering others is power
Conquering the self is strength
Know what is enough, and you’ll be rich
Persevere, and you’ll develop a will
Remain in the center, and you’ll always be at home

The wise person acts without effort
And teaches by quiet example
He accepts things as they come
Creates without possessing
Nourishes without demanding
Accomplishes without taking credit.

That the birds of worry fly over your head
This you cannot prevent
But that they build nests in your hair
This you can!

The five colors blind the eye
The five tones deafen the ear
The five flavors overwhelm the palate
Fancy things get in the way of one’s growth
Racing here and there
Hunting for this and that
Good ways to madden your mind, that’s all
Relinquish what is without
Cultivate what is within
Live for your center, not your senses

If you compete with no one
No one can compete with you.