Developing yourself is a sure-fire way to benefit your professional - and personal - life. Unlike "things" like money and possessions, what you learn can never be taken from you. Consider your list of things that you'd like to know (Don't have one? Create it today!) The next step is how to learn and make it really stick:
Teach!
Yes, when you put yourself in the position to teach others, you change your approach completely. The pressure is on to really know and articulate the information. You make the additional effort to to break it down into logical, orderly chunks. You consider potential tough, challenging questions. You put yourself on the line.
If you want to learn something that you'll retain, try this:
1. Identify what skill/knowledge you want to learn
2. Assess how long it should reasonably take to learn it
3. Announce a teaching session to your colleagues - promising results
Adding number 3 really changes the dynamics of learning, doesn't it?
This approach consistently creates a deeper understanding and recall of the material. Not only will you benefit with gaining something you wanted to learn, but you'll help others learn too.
Definitely worth your - and their - effort.
Think about it. But more importantly, do something about it...today!
Showing posts with label learn. Show all posts
Showing posts with label learn. Show all posts
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
80% and GO!
Think about it: The first time you do something is all about learning. You tend to get the biggest insights about what NOT to do.
This can be either disturbing or encouraging.
Most often, when something is important to them, people tend to plan and wait and plan (and plan some more) until they think everything is perfect.
It never is.
Naturally, we get better every time we experience something. So, what's the better solution to getting really good at something that is really important? Jump in and experience it as QUICKLY as possible as OFTEN as possible until you hone & fine tune it to your ultimate goal of excellence. We have to get past the "I'm not 100% sure what I'm doing" phase and to the much more profitable (and enjoyable) "I know what I'm doing" phase - quickly - to gain a competitive edge.
At Disney, we used to call this "80% and Go". It meant that when we were about 80% sure it was the right thing to do, we initiated action - even if we weren't quite sure of the details. The plan was to be hyper-aware of the feedback/learning you get at every step and adjust as best you can in the moment. Some Fortune 500 companies call this "rapid iteration". It simply means "the way to develop mastery is to do it as fast and as often as possible and learn your way to success".
What things are YOU planning/waiting on today?
Think about it. But more importantly, do something about it...today!
This can be either disturbing or encouraging.
Most often, when something is important to them, people tend to plan and wait and plan (and plan some more) until they think everything is perfect.
It never is.
Naturally, we get better every time we experience something. So, what's the better solution to getting really good at something that is really important? Jump in and experience it as QUICKLY as possible as OFTEN as possible until you hone & fine tune it to your ultimate goal of excellence. We have to get past the "I'm not 100% sure what I'm doing" phase and to the much more profitable (and enjoyable) "I know what I'm doing" phase - quickly - to gain a competitive edge.
At Disney, we used to call this "80% and Go". It meant that when we were about 80% sure it was the right thing to do, we initiated action - even if we weren't quite sure of the details. The plan was to be hyper-aware of the feedback/learning you get at every step and adjust as best you can in the moment. Some Fortune 500 companies call this "rapid iteration". It simply means "the way to develop mastery is to do it as fast and as often as possible and learn your way to success".
What things are YOU planning/waiting on today?
Think about it. But more importantly, do something about it...today!
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Forgive, Yes...But Forget??
We've all heard about the common saying "Forgive and forget". It's typically used to describe a more gentle, "enlightened" view towards our fellow human beings - encouraging us to achieve some kind of world peace by simply wiping the slate clean and forgetting it ever happened. What a load of bull...uh, I mean - what a foolish choice!
Forgiveness is one thing. Whether you forgive or not really only impacts you. Refusing to forgive a wrong is typically rooted in an emotional resentment that will lead to bitterness if left to fester - only serving to continue harming you - rather than the wrong-doer. So, ultimately, the wisest option is to choose to forgive. Whether or not to forget is quite another issue.
The healthiest option after being the victim of a negative experience is to forgive and remember! That experience - and memory - should be used for a productive purpose.
The goal for any and all life experiences is to learn from them and grow in wisdom and good judgment. Remembering the details that led to the experience and - logically - leveraging that insight to help make better choices for the future is the better option. To forget would be a shameful waste of the experience, making it more likely that you'll put yourself in the position to be victimized yet again...a much worse tragedy.
This brings to mind the more balanced saying of "Live and learn". So, when you are deep in the aftershocks of a painful experience - just focus on remembering the mistake, so you're less likely to repeat it in the future.
Think about it. But more importantly, do something about it...today!
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Where Do You Go Right?
After a life stumble, we often hear someone say "Where did I go wrong?" Good to do. Obviously, making mistakes is not the preferred outcome - but it happens. Repeating a mistake, however, is a completely unnecessary waste. If we are paying attention and care enough to make the effort, we can learn from every mistake we - or others - make...and forgo that avoidable wrong.
Another question - rarely asked - is equally important: "Where did I go right?" Examining successful decisions (ours or others) actually help us repeat success.
Consider this: In every success story, there is a moment when things shifted for the better. The successful person did something differently to start down a different road leading to a better result. Here's the bottom line - and it is pretty simple:
Another question - rarely asked - is equally important: "Where did I go right?" Examining successful decisions (ours or others) actually help us repeat success.
Consider this: In every success story, there is a moment when things shifted for the better. The successful person did something differently to start down a different road leading to a better result. Here's the bottom line - and it is pretty simple:
- If the path you are currently on is not leading to the ultimate goal you want, then you must change what you are doing to achieve what you desire. You may not know exactly what to change, but you DO know that life as usual is not it, so your "do nothing/the same" option is NOT the right one. (If you don't know what you want, then THAT just became your new task.)
- The longer you stay on your existing path, the longer you are moving in the wrong direction. (The whole "where did I go wrong?" thing - yes, you just answered that question. You're choosing it every day you stay on your current path.)
- You must take action to see the results. Planning is nice, but it doesn't count as an action step in regards to actually improving. Yes, taking action risks failure (that is why most do NOT take sufficient action), but by definition, the path you're on is failing you already.
The real question then, is not "Should I do something differently?", but "What should I do? (experiment with whatever needs improving until you start seeing results) and "When should I do it?" (Now. It's the first step that keeps most people from optimizing their results. Once you've taken that first step, the second becomes easier, and the third easier still - until you break through to become part of the successful group that began doing things right.)
You have the choice to make NOW the answer to the question: "When did I go right?" All it takes is that first step. Are you choosing to take it, or continue settling for less in your life?
Think about it. But more importantly, do something about it...today!
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Gaining The Power To Make A Difference
Had an interesting conversation with a client last week about making a difference. He said he wanted to but felt powerless to actually make it happen. Here are some relevant insights/options that might be relevant to what you are going through:
First of all, all power is actually based on the influence you have in a particular situation - either over things or people.
When I was in charge of Leadership initiatives for the Disney Institute, my team discovered that the most successful leaders at Disney first influenced people so that they could affect things and lead people (followers) accordingly.
That said, there are many different ways to gain power/influence:
Bottom line: The most sustainable strategy is to be a person of integrity and connect with people - proving that you are trustworthy and care about them. Then develop yourself with what you know (education) and what you can do (skill). Who you know and what you have may ebb and flow with time, but relationships and abilities (when properly maintained) will provide all the influence and power you'll need to make a difference.
Have you identified what legacy you want to leave? What is your passion? What worthwhile goals do you have that help those you care most about?
Think about it. But more importantly, do something about it...today!
First of all, all power is actually based on the influence you have in a particular situation - either over things or people.
When I was in charge of Leadership initiatives for the Disney Institute, my team discovered that the most successful leaders at Disney first influenced people so that they could affect things and lead people (followers) accordingly.
That said, there are many different ways to gain power/influence:
- What you have - When you have money/resources, you are of value to others and can influence accordingly. Keep in mind that your "stuff" is not you. If your resources go away, so does you influence/power.
- Who you know - Are you influential with those who are influential? Meet them, get to know them, and be worthy of their trust/respect.
- What you know - Develop yourself so that you know information or have skills regarding something of value to others. An important thing to know is what matters to the people you want to make a difference with - and what is currently influencing that situation.
- Who you are - Do people care about you? Do they admire you? Do they fear you? If so, they will be willing to do things for you - including tap into their resources. (FYI: The fear condition is always short-term and always backfires.)
Bottom line: The most sustainable strategy is to be a person of integrity and connect with people - proving that you are trustworthy and care about them. Then develop yourself with what you know (education) and what you can do (skill). Who you know and what you have may ebb and flow with time, but relationships and abilities (when properly maintained) will provide all the influence and power you'll need to make a difference.
Have you identified what legacy you want to leave? What is your passion? What worthwhile goals do you have that help those you care most about?
Think about it. But more importantly, do something about it...today!
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Using Pain as a Tool...the Good Kind.
Let me begin by stating, for the record, that I'm NOT a masochist. I do NOT enjoy pain. When I am in pain, I generally get cranky. I'm not fun. Things tend to get nasty. Not good.
But, there are different kinds of pain. The most successful people identify what pain really is and how to manage it for our benefit.
Pain is feedback. Pain is our body's way of telling us that we are doing something beyond our ability at the moment. Just a natural little "head's up". We should pay attention.
Sometimes the pain is physical: Like a hand on a hot stove. Good that we're experiencing that sensation of pain - it warns us to move our hand - quickly - before more damage can be done. It can also be physical pain, as in "my muscles are sore from my new workout routine". This is simply saying that we're enduring the pain of building muscle. Again, a good thing in moderation.
There's also mental/emotional pain as well. Recent example for me? Writing/publishing a book (At the rpinter's now - due out in a month!) Painful. But sometimes, learning (like building muscle) requires discomfort in the pursuit of growth. (Boy, have I learned a LOT during this publishing process!) This kind of pain can be caused by everything from guilt, to fear, to mere impatience (me and the publishing process). When we are tested, we can often gain benefits useful for us later in life. I feel like my (painful) lessons during this book publishing process fall into that category. Like eating right, exercising, and being disciplined in finances - not always fun, but almost always "good for you".
I guess the key is understanding when pain is the good kind or the bad kind. When is it too much? At what point does it become "worth it"?
To me, a big part of that answer is tied into why you are doing it. Does it align with your values and purpose? Does it support the greater (than self) good? Is the process making you a better person as a result?
All I know is that when I get over the "soreness" (whether physical or mental/emotional pain), I typically feel like I've gained something of value...even if that is learning never to do THAT again. The trick is to pay attention every time so we don't go too far down a negative path.
That is what set the most successful people apart: They are aware and take action to do something about it. Every day.
Some people say it takes discipline to do that.
I say it BUILDS discipline to do that.
What are YOU building?
Think about it...but more importantly, DO something about it. Today!
But, there are different kinds of pain. The most successful people identify what pain really is and how to manage it for our benefit.
Pain is feedback. Pain is our body's way of telling us that we are doing something beyond our ability at the moment. Just a natural little "head's up". We should pay attention.
Sometimes the pain is physical: Like a hand on a hot stove. Good that we're experiencing that sensation of pain - it warns us to move our hand - quickly - before more damage can be done. It can also be physical pain, as in "my muscles are sore from my new workout routine". This is simply saying that we're enduring the pain of building muscle. Again, a good thing in moderation.
There's also mental/emotional pain as well. Recent example for me? Writing/publishing a book (At the rpinter's now - due out in a month!) Painful. But sometimes, learning (like building muscle) requires discomfort in the pursuit of growth. (Boy, have I learned a LOT during this publishing process!) This kind of pain can be caused by everything from guilt, to fear, to mere impatience (me and the publishing process). When we are tested, we can often gain benefits useful for us later in life. I feel like my (painful) lessons during this book publishing process fall into that category. Like eating right, exercising, and being disciplined in finances - not always fun, but almost always "good for you".
I guess the key is understanding when pain is the good kind or the bad kind. When is it too much? At what point does it become "worth it"?
To me, a big part of that answer is tied into why you are doing it. Does it align with your values and purpose? Does it support the greater (than self) good? Is the process making you a better person as a result?
All I know is that when I get over the "soreness" (whether physical or mental/emotional pain), I typically feel like I've gained something of value...even if that is learning never to do THAT again. The trick is to pay attention every time so we don't go too far down a negative path.
That is what set the most successful people apart: They are aware and take action to do something about it. Every day.
Some people say it takes discipline to do that.
I say it BUILDS discipline to do that.
What are YOU building?
Think about it...but more importantly, DO something about it. Today!
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Getting Experienced...In A Good Way
As a collector of quotes - and life experiences - I just came across an aphorism by Louis L'Amour that is my current favorite: "You can't learn anything from experiences you're not having".
So much meaning. So few words.
Business life is too often full of mere talk. People analyze and study and discuss and have meetings and argue and write reports and present and talk some more...and wonder why nothing gets done!
In order to get new results, we have to "do new". "New" requires learning. Learning requires engagement. Engagement requires action. In short: Having experiences.
Ironically, the most successful people are those that take action before there's a 99% chance of success. They leap earlier - 80%? - and learn along the way. This earns them a competitive edge.
The key? That edge is NOT just the results of the action. What creates the real edge is their experience...what they gained from actually taking action.
It's an edge that can be realized no other way.
So, connect the dots for yourself this year. Step out in a way that you never have before - and experience more...learn more...grow more.
You'll soon see it makes all the difference in the world.
And your world will never be the same.
Isn't that what you want? A better life?
Go out and get some more experience...in a good way! ;)
Think about it, but more importantly do something about it...today!
So much meaning. So few words.
Business life is too often full of mere talk. People analyze and study and discuss and have meetings and argue and write reports and present and talk some more...and wonder why nothing gets done!
In order to get new results, we have to "do new". "New" requires learning. Learning requires engagement. Engagement requires action. In short: Having experiences.
Ironically, the most successful people are those that take action before there's a 99% chance of success. They leap earlier - 80%? - and learn along the way. This earns them a competitive edge.
The key? That edge is NOT just the results of the action. What creates the real edge is their experience...what they gained from actually taking action.
It's an edge that can be realized no other way.
So, connect the dots for yourself this year. Step out in a way that you never have before - and experience more...learn more...grow more.
You'll soon see it makes all the difference in the world.
And your world will never be the same.
Isn't that what you want? A better life?
Go out and get some more experience...in a good way! ;)
Think about it, but more importantly do something about it...today!
Friday, November 20, 2009
The Hidden Side of Success
Just wrapping up the next phase of who-knows-how-many-phases-it-will-take conference calls with my publisher exploring the many steps of the process in getting a book actually published. Seems vaguely familiar to most transformation efforts I've led over the years.
At first, you walk into the brand new (to you) situation and get hit with a tidal wave of new information. Despite years of wide-ranging experience, it's not what you know that causes potential problems. It's that you don't know what you don't know.
Of course, knowing that gives you an advantage.
The key to success is to explore what is, at that moment, hidden to you. Data. Information. Relationships. Opinions. Perspectives. Blind spots. Misunderstandings. Assumptions. Hidden agendas. Ego. Fears. Untapped potential. Hope. Courage. Heroism.
There are always clues - and solutions - hidden inside the organization. The secret is rooting it out. To do this, you need to actively go to where the answer hide. Almost always where the employees and customers meet.There are two rules when exploring these uncharted territories: 1. Follow the money (the measurement of value), 2. Follow the time (the measurement of priority) and 3. Follow the customer (external and internal - employee) experience (the measurement of relevance).
Secrets never are discovered in an office - only out where real life happens.
So, my goal for learning this publishing process is to, at every step, keep my ears and eyes open to everything that is happening. Ask questions and listen/learn. Expect to be surprised - and to uncover unknown challenges. Keep the big picture in mind, and have the courage and tenacity to keep climbing that mountain.
Eventually, the view gets clearer...and the air gets cleaner......and the goal is achieved.
What challenge are you facing right now? Are you really following the clues or your predetermined expectations?
Think about it. But more importantly, do something about it...today!
At first, you walk into the brand new (to you) situation and get hit with a tidal wave of new information. Despite years of wide-ranging experience, it's not what you know that causes potential problems. It's that you don't know what you don't know.
Of course, knowing that gives you an advantage.
The key to success is to explore what is, at that moment, hidden to you. Data. Information. Relationships. Opinions. Perspectives. Blind spots. Misunderstandings. Assumptions. Hidden agendas. Ego. Fears. Untapped potential. Hope. Courage. Heroism.
There are always clues - and solutions - hidden inside the organization. The secret is rooting it out. To do this, you need to actively go to where the answer hide. Almost always where the employees and customers meet.There are two rules when exploring these uncharted territories: 1. Follow the money (the measurement of value), 2. Follow the time (the measurement of priority) and 3. Follow the customer (external and internal - employee) experience (the measurement of relevance).
Secrets never are discovered in an office - only out where real life happens.
So, my goal for learning this publishing process is to, at every step, keep my ears and eyes open to everything that is happening. Ask questions and listen/learn. Expect to be surprised - and to uncover unknown challenges. Keep the big picture in mind, and have the courage and tenacity to keep climbing that mountain.
Eventually, the view gets clearer...and the air gets cleaner......and the goal is achieved.
What challenge are you facing right now? Are you really following the clues or your predetermined expectations?
Think about it. But more importantly, do something about it...today!
Monday, August 24, 2009
What It Means To Earn Life Experience
Just thinking the other day about why some people have poor judgment. I mean, we all make mistakes - at times, even stupid ones, but why do some people grow and others wallow?
Well, it occurs to me the "normal" path that leads to growing as a person includes the following:
Burned - We either watch someone else get burned or we ourselves get burned - suffering the natural consequences of a bad choice. This experience is not a bad thing. It gets our attention. It gives us motivation to NOT repeat that mistake. If a mistake doesn't hurt, then we are sick, and in dire need of professional help. As I like to say: "The truth only hurts when it has to." If the truth hurts, then DO something about it. Change so that the honest truth feels GOOD.
Learned - After having a bad experience, healthy people (when they are paying attention) actually learn something. They connect the dots between the cause and the effect. They start to see the possible ramifications of certain actions (or certain LACK of action). Once you know, you cannot UNknow. Again, this is good. This is growth.
Turned - Learning does not change anything other than knowledge. That is only internal. To actually "bring that insight to life", we must implement. Knowing and Doing are two very different things. We all KNOW we should eat better and exercise, but how many actually DO it? Unless there is sufficient motivation for taking appropriate action, it is as bad (possibly worse?) than not knowing at all.
Earned - If a person takes appropriate action on a new (valid) insight, in the right way, then they will receive the natural consequences of that action - benefits and rewards. Of course, the act of implementing puts us all back in the cycle again - exposing ourselves to the possible pain of getting burned with a future misstep.
[Sidebar: Yeah, yeah, yeah...I know you can learn from pleasant experiences also - not just being burned. I just couldn't find a rhyme that matched the concept - so we all just have to deal with the disappointment of it not fitting in a tidy little package.]
For the best results, we can all focus on:
1. Taking appropriate risks - be willing to fail in order to optimize potential.
2. Stay aware of what is happening around us so we can connect the dots for improvement ideas.
3. Exercise the discipline to change behaviors. Consistent behaviors = consistent results.
4. Reap the benefits of the improvement - reinvest in future growth. Enjoy some too!
Think about it - but more importantly, do something about it...today!
Well, it occurs to me the "normal" path that leads to growing as a person includes the following:
Burned - We either watch someone else get burned or we ourselves get burned - suffering the natural consequences of a bad choice. This experience is not a bad thing. It gets our attention. It gives us motivation to NOT repeat that mistake. If a mistake doesn't hurt, then we are sick, and in dire need of professional help. As I like to say: "The truth only hurts when it has to." If the truth hurts, then DO something about it. Change so that the honest truth feels GOOD.
Learned - After having a bad experience, healthy people (when they are paying attention) actually learn something. They connect the dots between the cause and the effect. They start to see the possible ramifications of certain actions (or certain LACK of action). Once you know, you cannot UNknow. Again, this is good. This is growth.
Turned - Learning does not change anything other than knowledge. That is only internal. To actually "bring that insight to life", we must implement. Knowing and Doing are two very different things. We all KNOW we should eat better and exercise, but how many actually DO it? Unless there is sufficient motivation for taking appropriate action, it is as bad (possibly worse?) than not knowing at all.
Earned - If a person takes appropriate action on a new (valid) insight, in the right way, then they will receive the natural consequences of that action - benefits and rewards. Of course, the act of implementing puts us all back in the cycle again - exposing ourselves to the possible pain of getting burned with a future misstep.
[Sidebar: Yeah, yeah, yeah...I know you can learn from pleasant experiences also - not just being burned. I just couldn't find a rhyme that matched the concept - so we all just have to deal with the disappointment of it not fitting in a tidy little package.]
For the best results, we can all focus on:
1. Taking appropriate risks - be willing to fail in order to optimize potential.
2. Stay aware of what is happening around us so we can connect the dots for improvement ideas.
3. Exercise the discipline to change behaviors. Consistent behaviors = consistent results.
4. Reap the benefits of the improvement - reinvest in future growth. Enjoy some too!
Think about it - but more importantly, do something about it...today!
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