| 03-03 |
The Art of PossibilityLinda Gravett, Ph.D., SPHR |
| I know that you have limited time to
read; however, I think this is a must-read for 2003! Written by the husband
and wife team of Ben and Roz Zander, this book introduces some new ways of
approaching performance management and setting an environment that motivates
employees. The Zanders develop twelve practices that encourage, challenge, and energize employees. In the introduction they assert, “Find the right framework and extraordinary accomplishment becomes an everyday experience.” Throughout the book, the authors provide case studies in which a framework for success was provided and employees or students used that framework as a springboard to excel. The twelve practices offered by Ben and Roz are not in the form of a checklist that can be ticked off in twelve consecutive days. The practices take time to internalize, try out, and perfect in each individual’s environment and unique situation. The authors encourage readers to shift their assumption about life and work from one of constant struggle and competition to one of constant possibility and a wealth of resources. For example, they write that a business person is more likely to grow his or her company and have a fulfilled life with the attitude that there are always new customers out there waiting to be enrolled. This contrasts with the mindset that’s all too typical: there are a limited number of customers and it’s a “dog eat dog” world to survive. Ben and Roz also encourage a slant on leadership that’s too often overlooked. They write, “…a leader can be sitting quietly on the edge of any chair, listening passionately and with commitment, fully prepared to take up the baton.” An effective manager is alert to that passion and willing to proactively leverage that employee’s interest in a leadership capacity. So many people are just waiting for someone to ask them when it comes to take a more active role in work, volunteer jobs, or society in general. One of my favorite practices in this book is the use of humor, or in the authors’ words, “getting people to lighten up”. The world is in turmoil, pressures are great, and we all need moments we can feel and express a joy and lightheartedness – even in the workplace. The book also addresses using a different approach towards conflict resolution. The authors explore ways for the participants’ “central selves” to take charge of confrontations instead of their “calculating selves”. The “calculating self” is the one that approaches confrontations from the perspective of scarcity and competition and the “central self” operates from a sense of plenty. The Art of Possibility contains many interesting, provocative scenarios that will cause the reader to pause, reflect, and re-examine his or her perspectives on workplace interactions. It’s available on amazon.com! If you’d like additional information on this topic or have any questions, please email me at Linda@Gravett.com or call me at (513)753-8870 or complete my feedback form (click here). |