It’s not enough for leaders to lead others. Leaders must also lead themselves.
If you are calling for your colleagues to develop themselves, show them how. Go first. Be a role model in self-development.
A Milestone Of Adulthood
We are no longer solely the student. We have become both the student and the teacher.
When we left school — under whatever circumstances — we accepted the responsibility for our continuing self-development.
We are responsible for creating our own curriculum.
For That, We Each Need A Learning Objective
What do you want to learn during 2018?
In the Mishna, we are encouraged to “Make for yourself a Rav (a teacher); acquire for yourself a friend…”
What teacher do you seek?
My 2018 Learning Objectives
Here’s what I want to learn:
- What mindset will best serve me during the final third of life? If I’m not in the final third, I’m surely headed for it in a hurry. I believe that the way I look at life going forward will surely be different than how I have previously looked at life. What do I need to study, to consider, as I advance through this mortality?
- What drives me? Recently, a role model looked at me and said, “When are you going to stop being a perfectionist? When are you going to realized that enough is enough?” I’ve been wondering about that. I have a garden variety of neuroses but perfectionism ain’t one of them. (I think the role model was projecting himself on me. Still, it was helpful. It has me wondering.)
- How might I contribute more substantially? I want to make a difference. I have several causes for which I care. I’m wondering how to be a more substantial Force For Good.
- How can I improve my teaching of meditation? Those who studied with me even a couple years ago would say that my teaching style was too confrontational. I have since been trained to lead meditation with the Jewish Meditation Project of Columbus. This coming week, I’m leading CPAs in meditation, to help them develop a mindfulness practice to address the stress of the tax season.
- How can I better engage in civil discourse? I have strong opinions, but also believe that I need to listen to — and hear — those with divergent opinions. A year ago, I was unable to listen to opposing views. I have cleaned my ears.
My 2018 Curriculum
This is a work in progress. The coursework will expand during the year. For now:
- Somatic coaching with LaWanda Thompson of Sustainable Outcomes. Our first session is tomorrow morning. (We might take a look at the list above.)
- Creativity & Personal Mastery, with Srikumar Rao. I recently completed the online version of the course. During 2018, I will attend an in-person version. (A Vistage member recently observed that my recommendations of CPM and Dr. Rao are “relentless.” I like to think of my recommendations as consistent calls for you to rearrange your entire life in order to take CPM.) You can start with online or in-person.
- Wexner Summit on Civil Discourse. The first session was last month and it continues through 2018. The instructors said that the goal is not to find common ground, let alone wholesale agreement, but rather to hear the other perspectives. That’s maturity — a novel idea during a time when we elect anyone who wants to rip ’em a new one. (See? I need a bit more training in civil discourse.)
- Safe Conversations About Race. I recently heard Suzanne Roberts and James White speak and recommend you listen in, too. It’s time that we all become more able to speak about race in the United States.
- More reading. I’m starting with books I have long rejected without reading — solely based on the discouragement of those I trust. I’m starting with The Fountainhead. I’m 13% in and find it sexist, ham-fisted, adolescent blather. (So at least I’m open-minded.)
- Weekly writing. Both to the community of Vistage Chairs and to you here at Net Cotton Content.
- More live theatre.
- More live music.
- More visual art.
Burning To Learn?
What will make it worthwhile for you to turn off the endless distractions and invest in your own continuing development?
If you’re a CEO and want to talk about growing professionally, check out my Vistage peer advisory groups. If you like what you see, let’s talk. We have openings for a couple of new members.