Help Wanted: Visionaries and Dreamers-Safe Return Doubtful

April 8, 2009 By 3 Comments

While it has never been substantiated that the explorer and leader Ernest Shackleton actually placed this ad, these few short sentences have taken on a life of their own.  They read:

“Men wanted for hazardous journey.  Small wages, bitter cold, long months of complete darkness, constant danger, safe return doubtful.  Honor and recognition in case of success.”

There are those in this world that run towards these types of opportunities and others that run away as fast as they can.  I’ve always been inspired by individuals that look beyond the here and now and issues of the moment to see and seize the opportunity to do something great. 

In Monday’s Leadership Caffeine post, I shared excerpts from the recent Jim Collins interview in Inc. Magazine.  Collins indicated his belief in the unique number of opportunities and challenges that we now face and he described his perspectives on why some people do great things during tough times.  In particular, he emphasized the difference between traditional career choices (“paint by number”) or careers as an adventure (“blank sheet of paper”).  Interestingly, in the article, he also indicated the difference between these two approaches, not in the context of risk, but rather as a difference in level of ambiguity.  

I long since determined that my career would be an adventure, and I’ve come to find comfort in my good friend, ambiguity.  It’s never far behind.  Along the way, I’ve learned a number of valuable lessons from several individuals that created some great works of art on their own blank canvasses.  

Lessons in Adventure and Ambiguity:

  • Fear of failure is a waste of energy.
  • The best prescription for dealing with a setback is to take your next step.
  • Always have a mission, because at the darkest hour, the mission might be the only thing lighting your path.
  • Sitting still is worse than dying.  Keep moving.
  • Sometime, a long time from now, it might be OK to look back on what you accomplished.  But don’t look for too long or you’re liable to step off a cliff.

I’m grateful to these individuals for their inspiration and for instilling a sense of adventure in my approach to business

Especially now in these times when those that are working are fearful of what’s next and those that are not working are fearful of the same, it might just be time to channel a little inner-Shackleton.  Perhaps it’s time to dust of those dreams of greatness, put aside your fears and get moving.

Students of history know that Shackleton’s journey met with many mishaps and challenges, yet remarkably, everyone returned safely, in large part due to the sheer will and perseverance of their leader. How strong are you? 

These are unique times best taken advantage of by dreamers and doers. 

The challenges are so profound and the opportunities so plentiful, that it is hard to look around and not see potential for greatness in every crisis. Perhaps now is your time to shine.  

What was it that you always wanted to do?  Tick tock. 

 

 

Filed Under: "To Do" List, Career, Decision-Making, Professional Growth Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,

Dream and Act Big: Leadership Caffeine for the Week of April 5, 2009

April 5, 2009 By 1 Comment

This week’s jolt of energy is taken from a great interview with Jim Collins in the April, 2009 issue of Inc. Magazine.

Collins connected with Inc. editor, Bo Burlingham to share views on the state of our world, building great businesses and entrepreneurship.  The entrepreneurial focus is relevant for many that have either been pushed into this world through downsizing or are considering it as they grow weary of the uncertainties of corporate life. 

The result is a feast of insightful, refreshing and invigorating quotes.  Oh, and I’m taking my motivation from Collins with a cup of the always bold and invigorating  Sumatra Mandehling Gayo Mountain from my favorite local roaster, Conscious Cup.  

Just a few selected quotes and observations from Collins:

-On what the leading entrepreneurs of the past three decades have in common:

“They defined success on a very big scale.”

-Recalling a quote from Steve Jobs in the late 1980’s that captured the noble vision of entrepreneurship:

“We aren’t creating computers, we are creating bicycles for the minds.” 

-On the choice that people face on working for others or working for themselves:

“I see entrepreneurship as more of a life concept.  We all make choices about how we live our lives.  You can take a paint-by-numbers approach, or you can start with a blank canvas.  Starting with a blank canvas is the only way to get a masterpiece, but you could also blow up.”

-On the emerging environment:

“We’re heading into a world characterized by big events, big forces, massive storms.  We’re going to be vulnerable little specks high on the mountain when the storm hits out of nowhere.  And if we’re not prepared, we’re going to die up there.”

-On why he’s not pessimistic in spite of the emerging environment:

“It is only in times like this that you get a chance to show your strength.”

“In the end, I think we need to have absolute faith in our ability to deal with whatever is thrown at us.  And we need to have a complete, realistic paranoia that a lot can be thrown at us.”

-On the source of his optimism:

“A  lot of it has to do with the young generation.”  Quoting a general at West Point, “This is the most inspired and inspiring generation to come through West Point since 1945.”

“I’m hopeful precisely because of this generation of kids.  I really think we ought to give them the keys as soon as we can.”

–

Art’s comments:

First, bookmark the interview and read it from start to end.  The selected quotes above barely do justice to the wisdom and inspiration that Collins has to offer in this article.

Second, consider how his guidance and observations can help you deal with your situation, whether you plan on being an entrepreneur or an intrapreneur. 

Great things tend to flow from tough times and when people focus on defining success not necessarily in monetary terms but on a grand scale. 

My own real world example in process: I’m working with a group to change the shape of volunteer management and volunteerism in our local community. Our emerging goal is nothing less than to transform Volunteer management practices in this country.  Lofty yes, but doable?  Absolutely. 

The same lofty ambitions can drive for-profit organizations, but it requires thinking beyond success and focusing on significance.

And last and not least, I love his perspective on the younger generation. While the media focuses on what they describe as a: texting-obsessed, trophy-laden, what’s in it for me generation, I am with Collins in seeing the reality to be very different.  (See my article: In Hopeful Praise of the Millennials.) 

As you have occasion to work with, lead and support the development of this younger generation, perhaps it is time to think deeply about the challenges we have saddled them with and offer our support and hope instead of our criticism.

The Bottom-Line for the New Week:

OK, grab that second cup and go forth into the new week motivated to do something great.  The longest journey starts of course with the first step, and the greatest monuments start with the first stone.  Take that first step or lay down that cornerstone and dream big!

Filed Under: "To Do" List, Career, Leadership, Leadership Caffeine Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,