8/30/11

The Evil E's: Envy Defined

Let's continue with the Evil E's (Ego, Envy and Entitlement) and move to Envy.

"Envy is the most stupid of vices, for there is no single advantage to be gained from it." - Honore de Balzac

I love that quote, because it tells it like it is. Envy is based on comparing yourself to others one subject at a time as your sole basis for happiness and self-esteem. Using that logic, it's impossible to ever be happy. Someone is always "better at" or "has more of" something.

8/25/11

The Evil E's: Ego Defined

I often refer to the Evil E's. I started using this term to refer to behaviors in people that were destructive to a team. The Evil E's are: Ego, Envy and Entitlement. Let's start with Ego.
 
Everyone has an Ego; it's
 natural and necessary, but it can grow out-of-control. When it causes a person to stop acting in the best interest of the team, it's one of the most destructive, dysfunctional behaviors possible. People with a destructive Ego will often display the following three behaviors:

1.) An inability to listen to any idea other than their own. They lock in on their opinion. Even worse, they will jump into a situation and undermine others because the decision was not theirs. Making the "right" decision is less important than making sure it's "their" decision. They slow down innovation and progress to make sure they have made their mark. They talk about needing to control resources, but avoid accountability.This behavior drives out other strong teammates who do not want to be dominated and want to be heard. This behavior also stifles the voice and drive of the teammates who stay, reducing the brainpower and effort working to make the team great.  The net effect is a lack of trust, a talent drain, fewer ideas, and even fewer vetted ideas. 

8/23/11

"King of the Hill" vs. "Mountain Climbers"

I recently spent time with a bunch of young nieces and nephews. I noticed how jealous they become of one another if one of the other kids receives a gift or more attention. They vie for attention to take it from the other kid. The oldest may try to take the toy away from the younger one; the younger one may cry. It reminded me of one of my life philosophies. I think there are really two types of people in this world: “King of the Hill” people and “Mountain Climbers."

8/9/11

The Inefficiency of Multitasking

I've seen people who believe they're able to juggle a lot of items; they pride themselves on the ability to "multitask."  In today's age of easy access to communication tools and instant responses, multiple demands are placed on us at once. It's true, some people handle these demands better than others.

8/4/11

Stepping Up Your Communication

Communication can be difficult. Especially at work where people will disagree and consensus is needed. Remember – everything you want to accomplish in life requires consensus and an aligned team (think about it). What people often do not think about is that most communication is non-verbal. 

I read these ratios:  7% comes from words (what you say), 38% stems from your voice quality (tone/inflection), 55% are non-verbal cues (facial expressions/body language). This may explain why I hate email and talking on the phone so much.  I am missing out on at least 55% of the message.

8/2/11

You are the Sum of Your Actions

I have often wondered in amazement at how unaware some people are of themselves. I have listened to criminals and murderers in interviews who think they are good people with just a "problem." I watch people who often treat their friends poorly and are always looking out for themselves, who feel like they are good people, who occasionally have "bad days."