In this issue:
Cooperative Problem Solving
Appreciating the edges of your life
Good Reads
Company Time Retreat
Z.B.A. in foreign languages
Z.B.A Zen of Business Administration
It's possible to own too much. A man with one watch knows what time it is, while a man with two watches is never quite sure.
- Lee Segall
Cooperative Problem Solving - In Work, and Life
I was surprised recently, in a conversation with one of my mentors, to discover that I had a lot to learn about the practice of cooperative problem solving. Though I tend to think that I easily include others in my decision-making, when I look carefully at my own process, I often believe that I have to find a solution on my own. The tougher the issue, the more I tend to rely on myself. It does not come easily or naturally to ask others for help. Perhaps this is a "guy thing", but, I've noticed in my coaching practice, it seems to be a human thing.
"I have been thinking about this issue and have tried to solve this problem and have been unable to find a direction or solution; what do you think?" I've found that this approach, in business and with friends and family, can open a variety of doors. The problem or issue becomes more of a dialogue. The issue is no longer just mine, and there is a way that a bridge or connection has been formed. Think, for a moment, how good you feel when someone approaches you in that way - especially if it is a trusted business colleague, or supervisor, or a close friend/partner. And, beyond just feeling better and creating more trust, new ideas, new ways of framing and resolving problems can occur.
I recently read a story of a young woman who got a job in an advertising agency as the personal assistant to the CEO. In the midst of an intense advertising campaign the CEO came to this woman and sincerely asked for her opinion. She was surprised, that in this role, as an office assistanct, that her opinion would count for so much. As a result of this kind of dialogue, and the trust she felt, she evolved to become a respected creative manager within this firm.
This kind of problem solving is an essential part of making meetings work and in developing teams that are able to develop creative and innovative solutions. When was the last time you led, or attended, a real problem solving meeting, where you were part of a group grappling openly to find a solution or a direction, moving from "not knowing"- where real participation and real dialogue were valued?
These are simple, yet powerful words, when expressed sincerely - "I have thought about this and have not been able to find an answer; what do you think?
Wishing you peace and joy, and the ability to find solutions to difficult issues.
Marc Lesser
Appreciating the Edges
I love to play with the edges of my conscious mind, and what is beneath my conscious mind. One of my favorite activities is to walk to the top of Coyote Ridge, a nearby hillside overlooking the ocean in the Golden Gate Recreation Area. I stand on top of a rock, spread my arms, and imagine flying, over the valleys and ocean below. Sometimes, when I lie down at night to sleep, I wonder, and try to remain open to the possibility that a direction or insight, to a life issue or business issue, will present itself in a dream or thoughts during the night. I sometimes try to be present for the moment, the edge, when being awake shifts to being asleep, and wonder, over and over, what is there to learn from this moment.
I think that much of our work lives happen on the edges - not only the edges of what is conscious and beneath our consciousness, but the edges of the complexity of our motivations, our fears and aspirations, the adventure of our work and the drudgery of our work. At work I often feel the edge of my aloneness and my connectedness, of success and failure, of living in this common, explainable world, as well as the world before I was born and the world after I die.
The practice of meditation can be a way to access these edges in a regular way, thus opening us to new possibilities and insights in our work and our lives. Meditation is the practice of calming the mind and allowing for new ways of appreciating being alive and new ways of framing our understanding. The paradox is that the more we can let go of wanting anything to happen, to just sit, without expecting anything, the greater the possibility of discovery. This type of activity requires a great deal of effort, and a good deal of letting go.
Good Reads
Leadership and Self-Deception, by The Arbinger Institute - I generally am put off by business "parables" but this is an excellent book, describing the challenges and necessity of leaders to be in full alignment.
Buddhism Without Beliefs, by Stephen Batchelor - This is a book that I take off the shelf every few years and re-read. It is a good introduction to Buddhist thought and practice, and a compelling book on deepening our understanding of being a human being.
The Niagara River; Poems, by Kay Ryan - My friends and I read these poems while hiking in the Sierras this past Fall. Kay Ryan's use of language is surprising, inspiring, and helps me see the world a bit differently.
Company Time; A One-Day Workshop for Business People, co-led by Norman Fischer and Marc Lesser
The next Company Time is Saturday, December 16th, from 10:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. at Green Gulch Farm. More information is available on my website, www.zbaassociates.com. To register call 415 383-3134.
Z.B.A. Zen of Business Administration: How Zen Practice Can Transform Your Work and Your Life
Z.B.A. - in foreign languages - I am pleased to report that Z.B.A. Zen of Business Administration will soon be available in Spanish, Chinese, and Korean!
Z.B.A. Zen of Business Administration - A great holiday gift for anyone exploring how to integrate their work and their life... An excerpt from the introduction: "Business practice could also be described as the method and discipline of removing hindrances. The challenge of business is to identify and remove what gets in the way of manifesting and implementing a wide and creative vision, to remove the obstacles to distributing people and resources where they are needed, and to remove the obstacles to actually meeting the needs of all people in our communities and on our planet. What would a world without hindrances, without fear, look like?
Coaching, Consulting, and Facilitation - To learn more about the services offered by ZBA Associates call me at 415 389-6228; email is mlesser@zbaassociates.com.