power Archives - Epic Living

Blind Spots

29 September 2014September 29, 2014Eric

Arrogance produces blind spots. Think of the farmer here, he/she plants the seed, and in the not so distant future there is a crop. The only difference is blind spots are nearly invisible to the human being possessing arrogance.

This is one dangerous game.

Often those who are arrogant pride themselves in having much figured out. There’s no room for not being right. To be wrong is to be less than. Each interaction is fueled by this drive, not to mention the deep insecurities that plagues.

I am a former member of the above tribe. I endeavor everyday to see things as they really are, even if I can’t figure it all out. Some days are misses, and somedays I live out the truth. No matter the outcomes, I know I can’t allow the seed of arrogance to take root. If I don’t stay committed, the blind spots will look like this:

I will believe that I have a right to justice. Not the justice from a civic point of view, but from a human relationship perspective
I will believe that I am untouchable, even though rationally I know this can never be
I will believe my possessions, accomplishments and titles are validations of my point of view
I will believe people are a means to an end
I will awaken one day and find I am truly alone, and no remedy will be near.

What are your blind spots?

Are You Ready?

27 November 2012November 27, 2012Eric

These days many young leaders are promoted to greater positions of power quicker than ever. It is not unusual for someone in their early forties to hold a senior leadership post in a major organization. I've often wondered can they truly be ready for so much power. Though some are, sadly many are not. Why? More than likely they've never had a constellation of advisers/mentors, and/or they've never had someone whose walked a few miles teach them about power, ethics and courage.

As I've evaluated my own path, I've tried to remember that you must handle the small before you can handle the big. In my past I once had an HR representative declare that they would teach a series of leadership classes (more management than anything). I found that somewhat ironic since she couldn't handle returning phone calls in a timely manner.

And so it goes, we crave power and all the trimmings, but we forget about the span and the impact.

The Role of Power and Greed

17 October 2011October 17, 2011Eric

I don't desire the end of Wall Street or capitalism in general. The protests happening in NYC got me thinking. I heard an interview last evening with a successful wealth creator, who discussed the the difference between an entrepreneur and an opportunist (gambler in many respects). If I may paraphrase, he said that entrepreneurs create something and thereby create wealth for many. The opportunists primarily seek to enrich themselves or a few only.

I don't want to overstate my opinion on the impact of power and greed, but those two cousins have often been left unchecked in our world today. I'm not talking about passing a law to stop them. But I would like to see the culture of our businesses and the schools address power and greed for what they are. More progress would come if we stopped ignoring it.

Many an organization (profit and non-profit) have entered into something with good intentions, only to find themselves the slave to a hideous master. Namely, power and greed. Never forget that power and greed are living, breathing things. They have a desire to rule you and the culture (work, politics, etc.). The question is whether you will let it and what will you do to control it.

Has anyone in your organization ever sat down with you and discussed how to handle power and greed, before there was a problem? I often wonder that about Wall Street and those who lead there. If you're a part of most organizations the answer is no. I think its important enough to evaluate and discuss, considering how impactful it is on other human beings.

Career Fear Factor

18 April 2011April 18, 2011Eric

"You are caught by what you are running from." – Sam Keen

Does losing your job or not finding a job scare you? For many, the answer would be yes. Now if it’s just a passing thought don’t pass out. I'm speaking of preoccupation and consistent fear. Most people have, at one time or another, considered the reality. In 2011 the reality of this type of change is real-for better or worse. But do you manage your career and life around that fear?

I’ve seen leaders make decisions because they were calculating the most foreboding scenarios. The great fear of job loss controls their every move. This motivation produces mediocre results, and even worse, an absence of credibility with those that follow. And since leaders who hold high positions of power are human, they lead by fear and hope for the best. Sadly, many leaders and managers infect the very people they're supposed to help. So what was once a singular issue is now organizational.

Human beings are skilled at setting up their own kingdoms…complete with impregnable walls and barbed wire fences. We think we're in control. The higher an individual climbs in their respective organization, the more tempting it will become to try to control everything. That’s why organizations are “certifiable” for not catching their people early in the process. For example, teaching them about holistic leadership and the danger fear-based living presents.

If you desire something great (something that leaves you, your family, other people, and your health intact) from a career, then you’re gonna have to risk. Maybe even risk that very career you're hold onto so tightly. I'm a much better human being, leader, entrepreneur because of the risks I've taken. The risks have not always worked out in my favor, but there is no way I would have become what I am without those risks.

Better to get ahead of your fears, before they claim you.