human beings Archives

Humans Being Themselves-2013

22 March 2013March 22, 2013Eric

A repost of sorts.

Does your organization (workplace, church, association) ask you to check your authentic self at the door? If you’re like many, the answer would be yes. Why do organizations value duplication and conformity? More than likely it’s because of insecurities gone wild.

Think about it, if you encounter someone who is different thinking or different looking, what is your fist inclination? Feel threatened? Humanly we feel better around those we think are like us. We look at it as a strange type of validation. Now look at the leaders of the corporations, churches and associations. More than likely these people suffer from the disease of insecurity…times ten.

I was that way.

The “story” has already been told regarding the impact of poor leadership, but now we’re getting the harvest from decades of bad influence. That harvest is manifesting itself in the form of a counter-genuine lifeforce. You know them, there the people who wear masks and “position” themselves in every conversation. These people really don’t know who they are. After years of working and living, it’s not surprising.

Lost and not sure of what to do.

Make your choice now, authenticity or a life of positioning. Remember, if you’re not authentic, you’re a fake. Long live the authentic.

Human Beings Being Human

20 September 2011September 20, 2011Eric

To understand the human psyche is a gift. To understand it because you've lived it is matchless.

Why do people continue a pattern that they know in the end will lead to undoing? Fear and a warped view of the world in which they live, I would say, are at the top of the list. To face these two demons is very daunting for most.

If you're in the world of growing something, if you have a calling, if you are moved to make change, then you need to realize that often the choices people make are based on human beings being human.

The DNA Seminar

6 April 2011April 6, 2011Eric

The following is an updated post I wrote a few years ago. Subject matter is still relevant and the problem is still pervasive. Leaders/managers hear the bell.

A friend of my wife's lost his job this past Monday. It was done in the name of saving costs. Yes, at one time or the other you're a cost. No promises, right? It's a tough situation that is only made worse by organizations who make lots of promises.

Funny thing is the group he worked in was just started a year ago. How can you know in twelve months whether something will fly?

So what to do when Mommy and Daddy fly? Sorry for the flippant reaction, but this guy just moved here from the west. Why not use some candor and tell the employees that the organization isn't sure about the prospects and it may not go the way of success? Two faces are the issue here. And before you think I'm conjuring this stuff up, please know I've delivered the "two-faced" speech in my former corporate management life. It went something like this; one face was in the room with management stating we'll let them go if the unit oesn't meet targets (usually unrealistic). Another face was in front of the employees stating how the future was bright.

I write this post today to communicate something simple, yet complex. Every leader who has human beings following them should be required to attend an all-day seminar on the marvels of human DNA. If I were conducting the seminar I would say the following at its conclusion:

"After today think long and hard about who follows you. And when you make your plans think about the implications-they're real and worth your consideration."

You can read here about some of the dynamics of our DNA.