Today we’re sharing insight from guest blogger Karen Moscato. We hope you enjoy Karen’s wisdom and perspective.
2015 was the year of the consultant. I offer that reflection because so many of my professional colleagues left their corporate positions in search of owning their own business. They felt they had wisdom to share to improve the health of the corporate business they just left.
So my curiosity leads me to search “consultants” on Google. I found there were 18,700,000 results under that word alone! This number represents all professions; from IT to HR and beyond. It seems many professionals feel they have something to offer that they couldn’t offer in their position or within their company. At least that is what my friends shared when they handed me their new business card over coffee or lunch.
It seems we are fascinated with advice. The professional coaching business is thriving! Check out how many universities, sites, and certification programs are out there for life coaching, career coaching, and executive coaching to name a few. Companies, who have sophisticated onboarding programs, use a mentor or guide to give advice to new employees to gain a deeper understanding of the company they joined.
In light of the recent Star Wars craze, there is none better than Yoda, the Jedi master, in imparting wisdom. Yes, I love Star Wars. It unlocked a different world to many of us in the late 70’s when it opened on the big screen. Whenever I find myself stressed over a matter or issue, Yoda warns against being fearful with, “Fear is the path to the dark side”.
Michelle Singletary writes a weekly financial column in the Washington Post. In her December column, she challenged her readers to become “A Jedi Money Master.” She quoted 10 of Yoda’s maxims and offered financial advice for 2016. Below are 6 of the 10 maxims. Instead of using them for finances, I would like to offer some Yoda-isms for companies for 2016. We all can become Company Jedi Masters!
- Do or do not. There is no try. You may be already thinking about some corporate strategy you want to implement, or a personal goal to lose weight or get fit. When you “try” you are allowing yourself an out. Commit fully to your job and your company goals.
- You must unlearn what you have learned. This is a big one. Our lives are changing through technology. You must unlearn old ways of working and thinking in this knowledge-based world. If you don’t, you will go the way of the dinosaur…and become extinct.
- If once you start down the dark path, forever will it dominate your destiny, consume you it will. Don’t identify with the gossip and negative judgments of others. It will start you on the dark path of a bad attitude. And no one wants to be around someone who spews negativity.
- A Jedi uses the Force for knowledge and defense. Never for attack. If you have mastered your position, don’t look down on others who are just learning. Show compassion and humility in using your knowledge for the good of others and the team.
- Size matters not. Look at me. Judge me by my size, do you? Hmmm. And well you should not. Don’t characterize people. Sure we have a workforce of Millennials, Baby Boomers, etc. But more important than that, we have a workforce made up of people. Don’t judge others, as size and age matters not.
- Named must your fear be before banish it you can. Finally, conquer a fear each year. You must name it in order to banish it. Life is too short to be ruled by fear. Risk a bit! Learn a new language, take a course in photography and see the world through different lenses. Do something you fear…Live your life; not fear it.
What’s The Risk?
Culture in companies is defined by the behaviors of its people. People make your company great by being at their greatness. Check out your people policies this New Year. Update and change as your old thinking gives way to new. As Yoda would say, “Train yourself to let go of everything you fear to lose.”
This content was written and shared by guest blogger, Karen Moscato. Connect with Karen on LinkedIn and Twitter.
