In his recent book The 8th Habit, Stephen Covey defines an organization as "a group of individuals who have a relationship and a shared purpose".
While this is a relatively simple definition, it contains within it much wisdom. It cuts through the weeds (often represented by company competency lists) to what is foundational to all companies.
We've all been there at one time or another. You have just lost your job of many years. You're facing a particularly challenging situation with a customer or a colleague. There's wind of downsizing or a merger, causing uncertainty. You've been passed over for promotion.
Being able to effectively express yourself and influence others in your job and career is critical to motivation and engagement. The benefits are many and include:
-Increasing job satisfaction as issues that might otherwise fester get aired and dispelled.
-Gaining a greater sense of control over aspects that impact you.
Abraham Lincoln once said that “if you want to test a man’s character, give him power”. While power is a ubiquitous and necessary aspect of corporate life, it is the abuse of power that has vilified the very term in recent years.
Deep down, most of us want to be - to feel - authentic. To be free of the emotion that rules us. To achieve a place of peace and calm. After all, we all come into this world truly authentic.
But while we may begin as truly authentic beings, life happens.
