Successors

Successors

As the old theory goes, only 1 can be your successor. But ... what if you taught 100s how to be your successor?

A problem with successors is that restricted knowledge becomes lost over time due to forgetting to transfer it, filtering out knowledge, those with the knowledge choose to die vs allow it to be misused, or the knowledge looses relevance .. as when technology dies.

In either case the knowledge has to be rediscovered. This rediscovery takes time and effort. The best way to secure it is in multiple.forms, and teach people how to.rediscover it when necessary.

University of Michigan researchers have revealed an incredible prototype technology - a braille tablet. Current designs only allow for one line of braille, but the new prototype displays full pages of text. Find out more and watch the project leader, Dr. Sile O’Modhrain, discuss the developments at BGR. Pair with our eReader cheat sheet.

Becoming A Leader

This post is in response to an article:

From Low Self-Esteem to Leadership

http://businesstimezone.com/?p=9002

My Response

What most people don't realize about the definition of leadership, "Guiding Intent with Integrity" towards a goal, is that everyone is leading in some small way every day.  Whether it be giving directions to the bathroom, or taking the initiative to clear a jam from the copy machine.  

In the story provided, this example of leadership allowed an individual to become confident enough to give directions on more complicated subjects.  She built that confidence one small step at a time, by gaining support from followers, and by building a series of techniques and strategies that allowed her to become a master of the subject matter.

While she may not know the definition of leadership, she is executing it.  Hopefully at some point she stumbles across the definition, re-orients her training, and helps others become GREAT LEADERS.

Leaders have conviction?

This article is in response to Dr. Bradberry’s article, available here:

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/why-best-leaders-have-conviction-dr-travis-bradberry

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Dr. Bradberry, unfortunately, your premise is flawed. "[ conviction is ] in short supply because our brains are wired to overreact to uncertainty with fear. As uncertainty increases, the brain shifts control over to the limbic system, the place where emotions, such as anxiety and panic, are generated."  As both a student and an instructor of Carley Gracie Jujitsu No-Gi Grappling, and the one who found the Definition of Leadership, "Guiding Intent with Integrity", I have first hand knowledge of the at least one data point your article is missing.

While leaders may seem to have conviction, this conviction was built over a long period of time, standing on a solid foundation of, "Predictable activities [ that ] satisfy our craving for certainty." ie, confidence in their abilities, skills, techniques, strategies, and flow.  

When a leader has this level of confidence, there is no need to have conviction. They can clearly and concisely elaborate on various aspects of their plan with their subordinates. This same technique holds true in grappling, where "No strategy survives contact with the enemy", and thus demonstrates the need to be flexible and update one's strategy constantly, as well as accepting failure.  

What makes great leaders is: a constant learning process, a space where they can fail gracefully, internal and external reflection, and support from others. So, when my students get stuck in a grappling position, I walk them back through their moves, ask them what they could have done differently, and show several options.  

Conviction, will only get a grappler and a leader so far. Confidence in their understanding of the basic techniques used, a strategy that works towards the goal, and a willingness to be open and malleable about their strategy will go a long way to achieving success and growing future leaders.  Or put more succinctly, "There are many ways to get an arm bar. Learn them all, and choose that that work best for you!"

Monday - Grappling

On Monday night, a student wanted to roll for an hour. He has a lot of upper body strength and energy, so I didn't quite wear him out, but he did enjoy being rolling around.

Guiding the Process

A leader is able to bring a diverse group of people affected by a similar problem and with different motivations together, and guide them through the process of crafting a solution that, while not perfect, helps 90% of the affected find a resolution. The process the group is guided through is debate. A leaders ability to do this is hampered by people who choose to label others. True debate is perceived as taking their precious time and energy. Instead, people use labels that allow them to quickly and easily digest their opponents point of view, instead of examine it. And, thus, most have equated the need to defend themselves during a debate, which isn't the purpose of debate. Most won't understand this problem, until they are forced to debate the issue from a stance that is totally contrary to their opinions. Through this process, individuals are forced to gather information about the problems their opponents face, to make a case based on evidence that supports a position. Once all sides understand the problem and the subproblems involved, the crafting of a solution becomes easier, as many new perspectives, experiences and ideas can be merged to craft the solution.