Monthly Archives: August 2013

#220 The eye of a needle

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In most projects, there comes a moment that can be termed as the “eye of a needle.” This is the point where you are stuck, facing a stalemate, or a Mexican standoff. At such points, you have to shed a lot of baggage before you can move forward.

If you are stuck in the workplace, look for the following in your baggage and shed them:

  • Assumptions on which you based your decisions.
  • Terms you thought were non-negotiable.
  • Constraints that are not really constraints.
  • Bad decisions you are trying to hide.
  • Bad news you don’t want revealed.
  • Mistakes you are trying to cover up.
  • Your ignorance and incompetence/lack of skills.
  • Personal grudge or dislike for a co-worker.
  • Need to be in control and “build kingdoms.”
  • Your specific baggage goes here…

Shedding baggage is not easy. Ask any film maker who has to edit the footage down to fit the film in the target time. Ask any writer who has to write within a defined number of words. Ask any executive whose big bets did not work out.

Above all, ask yourself, “What baggage do I need to shed before I can move forward?”

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#219 Letting it go… what’s left?

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A cognitive bias happens when you “cling” to an idea. There nothing good or bad about a cognitive bias, but you have to be aware of your own biases and protect yourself (and others) against its side effects.

Some “clinging” is praised, such as a determined soldier who sacrifices his or her life in battle. Other types of “clinging” is criticized, such as an obstinate co-worker who refuses to see alternate perspectives.

Meditation will help you uncover your biases, I’d recommend this or this. In the beginning, as your mind becomes calm, you may meditate more, to get more calmness. This is just another form of “clinging,” so beware.

As you discover your biases, you’ll give up your tendency to “cling” and thus will be more relaxed and open. However, you still need a basis for action. After all your biases have been eradicated, you’ll be left with just your values. Without values, your actions will be random and unpredictable. There will be no peace till you sort out your values.

What if you are “clinging” to your values? Yes, that can be a problem! My hypothesis is that an authentic set of values will cause you to find peace within yourself and not disrupt the peace of your co-workers and fellow humans. Therefore, if you invest time in discovering (not inventing) your true values, you’ll give up “clinging” much sooner.

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