Taking the whole kit and kaboodle
This is the “K” installment of series “Alphabet for Leaders.” I was asked why, “Knowing too much,” wasn’t the “K” part of the series. I wanted the hard “K” sound. I felt like a silent “K” was cheating.
There’s consistent talk about having fun, enjoying life, and doing what makes you happy. We say, “If it isn’t fun, don’t do it.” You’ve heard the expression, “It’s all good.”
*****
The real truth, it isn’t all good. You have to take the whole kit and kaboodle.
Kit and kaboodle – the whole of something, including everything that is connected with it.
Kit: A set of articles or implements used for a specific purpose: a survival kit; a shaving kit or the container for such a set.
Kaboodle: All, the whole lot. (can be spelled caboodle or kaboodle)
*****
You never like everything about your career, clients, or tasks you perform. Sometimes the only enjoyment you feel is getting it over with. “It feels good to be done with that.” Leaders always deal with un-fun.
Dealing with the un-fun side
80/20
In “Juggle,” Ian Sanders applies the Pareto principle, (80/20 rule), to work and career. It helped me when he reminded me that nothing is perfect. Focus on the 80% that you enjoy and work through the 20% you don’t enjoy. In other words, take the whole kit and kaboodle.
Eat the frog first
Eliminate draining tasks that hang over your head early, fast, and efficiently. The pain of avoiding un-fun is worse than getting it over with. Take the whole kit and kaboodle.
Speak and act otherwise
You work with people you don’t enjoy. They are part of your kit and caboodle. When you feel like sharing a piece of your mind you can’t afford to lose, speak something positive. Feel frustrated? Take a breath and act patiently.
*****
How do you deal with the un-fun side of your career?
What other leadership “K” words could you add?
Dear Dan,
‘Knowing too much’ without practical insight is dangerous. Yet, keeping updated on developments is a must.
I liked your advice in the end. Speak something positive and take breath and act patiiently. One needs to enjoy the work and fun could be an added flavor to it. Bear with an unavidable 20% but don’t loose your focus.
K can stand for ‘Killing Instinct, Knititing for Details & Knighthood with a concern for others’.
By working with acceptance.
Saying “it’s all good” may or may not be avoidance. It can also be a powerful act of the will to say ‘I accept even in the midst of difficulty and challenges that all can be used for development and learning. I will participate and work toward better within the view that it’s all good.’ My attitude then transmutes into good … ‘part of what some consider the noble Knight’s path.
Dear Dan,
Perfection exists only in mind, not in reality. Imperfection is necessary to grow and compete with your potential, environment and people. If everything is perfect, then you dont have anything to compete with. Imperfection challenges your calibre and courage to try and find for perfection. This is a virtuous cycle. I agree that 20% of problems affect 80% of performance. Similiary, in organisations, 20% people usually create all types of disturbance, cultural erosion that affect 80% of honest people to suffer. And the main leadership challenge is to stabilize the culture created by these 20% of the people.
My favourite K for leadership is- Avoid and discourage people with ” Kissing up and kicking down” attitude. Become a key person who can keep his promise and know yourself and your people. As a leader, you should believe in ” Karma”.
I have seen the people, who claim to know things before they listen and understand. And these people also often take prematured and wrong decisions because they know only few things. One of the best leadership quality is to listen, and to know you have to listen more and show less. No one can get perfect situation, environment or people in the world. However, you should find to get atleast 80% of what you want. I also agree that you should tackle the problems first that disturb us. If you are unable to do it, it keep on piling up and keep on increasing stress.