Every business and person has their own unique set of finger prints. The hands and fingers may appear to be the same but the actual touch of the hand with their fingers is uniquely different. This uniqueness is what separates and enhances each of our contributions to our culture. The touch of another’s hand communicates not just a sediment but an actual transfer of something unique from one to another.
Today is the traditional “April Fools” day. Its origins are indicated to date back to the 1500’s when the calendar year start changed from April to January. It continued to be supported in many ways for the past 400 plus years. It basically is a day of practical jokes and theoretically harmless pranks carried out between two people with one of them being pranked and the other the prankster. Unfortunately, the humor around this day and about a lot of things these days has taken a big turn away from their original intent. It now somehow gets recrafted or twisted into an attack on the enjoyment of laughter.
When was the last time you had a good laugh? It has been said that the best medicine is laughter. As we navigate our lives, we need to take time to stop and not just smell the roses but to laugh at ourselves. Opening up to our vulnerabilities so that we can appreciate that everyone is made of the same awkward moments in time.
In working with our clients, we are large proponents of measuring performance to determine progress. It is about understanding and appreciating what is being accomplished and how that is advancing in the desired direction of the goals. It is also about learning what works well and what needs attention to make it contribute in a more effective and efficient way on the path to results.
In a world where Trust and Truth are twisted and confused, it is good to know that making and keeping “Promises” still exists. That deeper level of commitment when a covenant is formed between one or more people to effect good in the world.
Day in and day out, as business leaders, we make strides to run an efficient and effective business. As individuals we also take steps to becoming a better version of ourselves. We attempt these upgrades by building routines into our everyday lives both at work and outside of work.
The richness of our cultures were seeded with big dreams. It is from the planting of a single seed that a great tree can grow in the forest. The tree can withstand harsh weather from wind and rain or the cold of winter or heat of a summer drought. Our cultures grow like a tree being tested in the weather changes. The culture survives and adapts to the everchanging challenges it faces.
Last week I must have struck a chord in some people based on the reactions received. When the concept of avoiding conflict was linked to avoiding revenue there was plenty to discuss. In fact, it almost proved my point. The article caused conflict and the conflict distracted away from the point. So, this week we attempt to bring some additional insights to the table for your consideration.
Cultures exist in many places. From the family to the boardroom and across continents cultures not just exist but thrive. What ingredients are needed for cultures to thrive? Do rules contribute to a thriving culture? Does chaos contribute to a thriving culture? If culture is like a great bowl of soup then too much of any one spice or ingredient may spoil the flavors of the whole enjoyment. If those ingredients or spices are left out then the enjoyment is reduced because it is missing something special.
As a business leader you are in business to __________. There are many answers to this question when I ask business leaders. From ownership to money to providing goods and services etc. What is interesting is that none of these are possible to attain unless you solve someone else’s challenges. To solve someone else’s challenges, you must help them deal with the conflict that challenge is causing them.