High Level Learning - and Leading
Copyright Jack Mixner. 714 449 1040. www.mixnerstrategy.com
High level leading isn't that much different than high level chess. A couple key points:
- "Learn how to maintain the tension" (Waitzkin, 171). World class chess, and world class leadership, require the ability to hold up under tension, to "maintain the tension" under mounting pressure. The seemingly ridiculous - and, perhaps, obvious but often forgotten - subtleties (Eikleberry, 116)?
- Fight your fears.
- Get professional help - a coach perhaps.
- Don't abuse drugs and alcohol.
- Develop your character.
- Give yourself time.
- "...In virtually every discipline, one of the most telling features of a dominant performer is the routine use of recovery periods (Waitzkin, 179)." Limit your recovery to a short period of time, based upon your observations of when additional recovery is now wasted effort, however.
- If you trust in a recovery period, you must trust in your ability to re-focus when you return to your work (Waitzkin, 185-188). And recovering is a learned attribute. Spend the time to figure out the best steps for you to re-enter the fray. Useful tips that might be part of your -re-engagement routine:
- Small snacks - not big ones.
- Music
- Meditation
- Stretching.
In strategy sessions we allow breaks but we always keep the team focused on the planning session, the short document we produce as a result and, crucially, on ultimate implementation.
References
Eikleberry, Carol, PhD. The Career Guide for Creative and Unconventional People. Third Edition. Ten Speed Press. 2007.
Waitzkin, Josh. The Art of Learning. A Journey in the Pursuit of Excellence. Free Press. 2007.