Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Jurene Mason on March 1, 2010 at 11:12am

I like your way of thinking...the interesting thing is that this kind of attitude actually can get people suspicious of your motive...lol ... BECAUSE they have interactions within a specific niche expectation and when those boundaries are changed, they do not know how to react...

Still I believe it is very possible and good to see others thinking of it ... Thank you for helping to open those doors...

"If it is to be, It can begin with me" ... what a great personal motivation... I have worked for years on that mantra because I was tired of seeing positive things passed by through no one taking the first step.

For me, it is because of "self-preservation" that I have it difficult to "go with the flow", isn't it interesting that so many believe "self preservation" is to mold to others and their goals?

So, when are we going to have our think tank meeting?

Permalink Reply by Zan Deery on March 1, 2010 at 11:35am

Anything is possible, and if the workplace is a smart one, it will be thinking well beyond the concept of "self-preservation" because that attitude in the workplace only goes so far, and teaches little, if anything. It is survival mode, only, and also creates a culture of distrust.

You are describing an environment of distrust, which can be a dynamic of decline. If or when we see this tude in the workplace, we all better watch out, because if things aren't addressed soon, there is almost a guarantee of continued decline, and worse things to come as a result of it. Too many businesses turn to this way of addressing crisis or tough times because it is natural, the easiest "way," and is reactionary rather than constructive or guiding. No one need think very hard on self-preservation tactics. In my eyes, it doesn't require much thought, mostly reaction.

Sadly, the only thing this approach does in tough times is make things worse, not better, and is not the greatest form of leadership, either.

I think that people mistakenly interchange the acts of "self-preservation" and "self-protection," when they are two very different things. People might want to call or think their "self-preservation" tactics are acts of protecting the business or workplace from further decline, but in actuality, they are making things worse by not looking at the bigger picture and all the key players (aka stakeholders)...

It is natural for people to turn to posturing and manipulation to try to get their way...but the real essence of a person comes through during crisis, and if that is all one can come up with, then my advice would be----get creative, GET uncomfortable, get thinking more, not less, as a visionary, and begin to think what the future COULD hold. AND get others on your team thinking the same way...because it is going to be THAT sort of thinking that helps you through the hard times.

Permalink Reply by Dolly Metzger on March 3, 2010 at 5:29pm

Doesn't everyone have a sign around their neck that says "Make me feel important"? If we just approached everyone that way, how would it simplify things? Everyone, even the grouchiest person at the office, wants to feel important, noticed, appreciated, acknowledged.
I admit it is something I have tried to be more aware of, and of course the idea isn't original. I am so fortunate to have the opportunity to work with a company that brings the Golden Rule to every venture it undertakes, and because of the greater awareness they create, I am also more greatly aware.
Try it out for a day... regardless of your personal mantras, who your client is, or who you work with and their view of the world, taking the time just to say "I appreciate you", that one little phrase, can be magical.

Permalink Reply by Travis Krant on March 4, 2010 at 12:01pm

If we could just put other's needs before our needs, wouldn't our needs be met.

If we became a group who really created an atmosphere where people wanted to interact, be around, and work with us... we would accomplish a quality of relationships that would transcend barriers & silos. Strategic relationships could start to serve more then just our Business Ecosystem. Those lines could begin to be blurred, and those relationships would add more to our lives then referrals or business services, they would bring what most are looking for.....relational environments where we can truly invest in eachother. Our Business Ecosystems could become our Life Ecosystems.

I realize I am being an idealist, but I believe this community can exist....maybe even in Spokane!

Permalink Reply by Tambra Ostrander on March 18, 2010 at 3:25pm

I do believe it's possible, and I believe the best way to teach it is to demonstrate it. I believe that it is our responsibility to care for others and in doing so we will have all that we need. Those that reach the top by stepping on others sacrifice what is most important in life.