Another week in the Human Resources Community discussing policy and procedures. Another week in witness of the growing HR Thought Leadership in Social Media. Another week of thought provoking discussion across the Globe.
The topic that really intrigued me this week was that of management metrics for success. A group of "Managers" defending their process of success validation. The more strategic business leaders sighting trust, empowerment and common goals as a means of Leadership more than Management.
It pains me to see people 30 years into their careers without an original thought. Tow the line, follow the rules, stay employed; maybe receive a pay bump or a promotion. I don't fault anyone for wanting stay employed. I understand times are tough and volunteerism can bring greater focus where you might want to avoid exposure. I know that some people are happy to punch a clock and get on with their lives.
I do, however, have a few thoughts:
* Professional Stability is a Conduit of Cowardice
* Dependable Processes eliminate Guess Work (and Brain Power)
* If you have spent your life Punching a Clock, You Have Wasted Your Life!
Stability Sucks!
There was a point in my life where I settled into a middle management career track. A dependable pay check and a lot of advice about self-preservation followed. Don't rock the boat, don't take chances, don't volunteer - it will only lead to more work and more scrutiny. I saw myself 20 years down the line wearing loose fitting Payless shoes, walking slowly, with a lunch box in hand. A life of predictability to many means validation. There is no success in validation.
You have to be able to push the envelope every day...to learn more...to challenge yourself...to follow a painful morning with a great afternoon...to win and lose...to love and lose...to laugh and cry...to persevere and get up and do it all over again. When the madness stands still you stop living and start dieing.
People Drive Success (not numbers)
You went to business school, you earned certifications, you read every journal, you have been promoted 10 times; you now make a steady income and you know Best Practices. You had a great Mentor who taught you everything you know - follow the rules, follow process, document everything - what if your Mentor was wrong?
You will never get fired for following process or doing the safe thing. Nor will you ever reach your true potential.
Get Busy Living!
I don't care if you are 7 or 70 years old, at any point you can find the sensational in life. To challenge convention is unsafe, untrusting, manic and indefensible. It is also a lot of fun.
Try something new, stick up for yourself, oppose unethical direction, put down that report and talk to your employees. Understand that Love drives success not revenue reporting. Put your neck out there for something you believe in, dedicate yourself to it, succeed...and shove the results up the ass of the naysayers.
If you have achieved based on the rules that others established, you have not succeeded at all. If you do not put your personal passion into your work you are living a lie.
My Dear Readers,
I am not suggesting that you slap your boss, quit your job or get an FTW tattoo. What I am suggesting is that this life is fleeting. You will never remember the trophy you got for perfect attendance....you will remember the girl you kissed on the playground. You will not remember telling on someone...you will remember the first time you punched the bully in the face and he cried like a girl!
Every Day is an Opportunity to Change the World! Don't Let It Slip By!
Don't Forget to Remember!
Dave
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