No, Really: You've GOT to Accentuate the Positive...

I was recently asked, by someone I trust and respect very much, to do something I was VERY uncomfortable with - attend an industry event on his behalf, and make connections with people who could be useful in our shared business venture. I don't think of myself as someone who can walk into a room full of strangers and "politic". But this was an important favor, so I said I would do it. And then was instantly sorry. I had only an hour or so to get to the event, so I rushed around to get ready, then had some time on my drive to think about strategy.

It occurred to me that I do have a few other useful skills. Like being well-read enough to contribute to a lot of different conversations. Like knowing when to listen, and how to do that well enough that people KNOW I'm paying attention. Like being involved in a great organization with an innovative and valuable product that I very much believe in.

Long story short: once I decided to work from my strengths, I was able to compensate for my alleged weaknesses (ignore them, really), and accomplish the mission. As a bonus - I had a great time, and will probably benefit from this task for a long time to come.

It was a good reminder that when under stress, it's more useful to focus on what you have at hand that CAN enable you to succeed, instead of running inventory on the reasons why you're likely to fail. If I'm ever stranded in the jungle, this will be a useful policy, but it's come in handy in more ordinary scenarios, too....

lm


How Full Is Your Bucket? Positive Strategies for Work and Life

Generosity, Skill & Giving Back

My mother encouraged me to read "The Snowball: Warren Buffet and the Business of Life". I think she wanted me to read a story about someone successful, who was also notably "thrifty", because she rinses plastic baggies and reuses them, which drives me a bit batty. What I found quite engaging about the book was that Warren was an early leader in the "Strengths" movement. This school of thought leadership maintains that instead of focusing energy on correcting weaknesses, one should use their strengths as much as possible, in work, and in personal relationships. It's been a few years since I first read this great work by Tom Rath, but I highly recommend it for all managers, and for those seeking to "improve" themselves.



In Buffett's case, his strengths in business negotiation became an asset in the battle for Civil Rights in Omaha. Using the multi-step transactions common in many stock, security and business dealings, Buffet helped to overturn his country club's policy against Jewish members, and helped African-American families purchase homes.

Buffet was passionate about the causes he supported, but always avoided being an honorary chair or figurehead, instead focusing on what he was best able to contribute: logical analysis, strategy, and win-win negotiation.

While a few hundred more pages than I usually enjoy in a business biography, I found "Snowball" an interesting view into one of the great American business minds. A man both of integrity, and of flaws, Buffet's navigation of 20th & 21st century American markets is a remarkable look at a remarkable leader.