“The chief danger in life is that you may take too many precautions.” Attributed to Alfred Adler
Caution weighs risks. Look both ways before crossing the street. Excessive caution never leaves the sidewalk.
Caution prepares. Excessive caution demands perfection.
Caution acts with incomplete information. Excessive caution demands certainty.
How to choose courage over self-protection…
“It is the hardest thing in the world to frighten a mongoose, because he is eaten up from nose to tail with curiosity.” Kipling
Curiosity answers fear.
Adopt the mongoose motto: “Run and find out.”
Curiosity drags fear into the light.
The danger of average ideas is they work.
“The chief object of education is not to learn things but to unlearn things.” G.K. Chesterton
Old dogs don’t learn when they can’t unlearn.
Average ideas are safe. It’s scary to embrace new ways of thinking.
We desire change but refuse to let go.
The adventures of Bob Bumblhoof:
“Success is proving you’re better than others.”
Bumblehoof charges into Monday’s staff meeting ready to save the day. “Team,” he declares, “I will now demonstrate what real leadership looks like! Watch and learn.”
I sent a note to several leaders, “People are often nervous when the boss shows up. How do you put people at ease?”
The desire to please the boss causes anxiety.
People may pretend they aren’t nervous. But authority makes people scamper on the inside, even when working side-by-side.
People don’t make you feel defensive. Defensiveness is your response. Defensiveness is feeling attacked when others are trying to help. Defensive language: My natural response to criticism or corrective feedback is self-protection. After… Continue reading
