Thinking and writing about this recently as part of my Emerging Leader Program that I am offering for 2020. I was reviewing the work of Clayton Christensen, a favourite academic. Clayton’s material periodically formed the basis for classes I lead at UNSW with the MTM program.
I asked myself, how do we measure our lives? i.e. how do we decide what life is about?
Ideas include the following…
How are we going so far as achieving our mission / goals? Have we been true to our values? What about achieving great success in our careers? Perhaps we have been a part of and/or helped raise an amazing family? As life continues, have we created or perpetuated a wonderful legacy? Are we making or have made a difference in Society? So, what about the quality of friendships, have they been rich and fulfilling for others? If all work and no play makes for a dull person. Have we vigorously pursued our interests and hobbies?
How have we developed and utilized our talents? Many people get to a stage when this seems to be parked. Has each day been lived vigorously, have we learned every day? Perhaps lived a good and helpful life? Contributed to the wellbeing of others?
Clayton talks about the class of 1979 and things that had gone wrong in the lives of presumably high achievers.
He asks his classes three questions:
- How can I be sure that I’ll be happy in my career?
- How can I be sure that my relationships with my spouse and my family become an enduring source of happiness?
- How can I be sure I’ll stay out of jail? Though the last question sounds lighthearted, it’s not, as members of his classes had done time.
Clayton challenges his students to reframe their thinking and at the time post GFC, it would have been especially important. There is an 8 minute interview with Clayton and well worth a look also.
https://hbr.org/2010/07/how-will-you-measure-your-life
What I do
Adam works with emerging and established leaders in technical markets, being passionate about balancing hard and soft skills to harness to talents of the individuals and team. Creating outstanding leadership through self-awareness, seizing and developing talents in others, collaborating and balancing the need for success with clients, partners and peers. Through mixed modes, he delivers impactful programs.
#executivecoaching #wellness #purpose #impact #businesscoaching #leadership
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