Leadership Lessons from Politics

What is playing out now between the Republicans and Democrats provides cautionary tale in leadership. Everyone knows we are facing a major, if not potentially catastrophic, economic problem. Congress has to step up to the leadership plate to help solve it. However, their approach to working together is so entrenched; it creates a hurdle to finding a timely and effective solution.

The two parties operate within a framework that is based on drawing the ‘proverbial line in the sand’. Each party stands in opposition to the other, pushing their own point of view and denigrating the opposition’s point of view. From those positions they stay stuck in a quagmire indefinitely, arguing about who has the better or worst solution. The problem wins and we lose.

This plays out in organizations all the time. A problem comes up. People have different points of view on how to solve it. Leaders are pitted against each other, pushing for their agendas and pet solution. There are indefinitely delays and the problem gets bigger. This often leads to making precipitous decisions because time finally runs out and forces your hand.

In both cases, leaders would be much more effective, if they positioned themselves differently in relationship to that line in the sand. If all the problems solvers moved to one side of the line and they put the PROBLEM on the other side of the line, it would change their perspective. It would shift the collective focus of the participants to the problem, not each other. They could collectively look at the problem and address it.

Standing shoulder to shoulder, rather than in opposition to each other, leaders can actually begin to talk about how you see and understand the problem. From that shared understanding, you can generate ideas to solve it. Everything is up for consideration. No idea is red or blue. From that shared platform, creative solutions can be crafted. Result: problem is solved and we all win.

Added tip: I learned a great problem solving framework from Dr. Fosmire, a professor, and consultant that I worked with many years ago. It has been universally applicable in all settings.

The shorthand title is S-T-P. It means Situation-Target-Proposal. It can be used individually or collectively. Here’s how it works:
Situation: What are the characteristics of the problem we are trying to solve?
Target: What is the outcome we want?
Proposal: How can we get there?

Usually, when we try to solve a problem, we randomly jump all around these categories, in a chaotic manner. Systematically moving through this framework significantly increases your effectiveness and potential for creative solutions.

Curiosity is an Anti-Aging Agent

Yesterday I spoke to my 86 year old Aunt. I hadn't talked with her in years because we both moved and had lost contact information. It was great to reconnect and catch up. She talked about all the wonderful things she was exploring and doing. I commented on how great it was that she was still so curious about so many things. She said it has been that way her whole life. She also said that her friends always comment on how her changing interest sand curiosity has kept her young and vibrant. Her doctor thinks it has kept her 'real age' at about 20 years younger than her chronological age.

I really believe that curiosity is an anti-aging agent. Everything we are learning about brain agility and brain plasticity reinforces this view. There is so much research coming out now about how your thoughts can actually act back on your brain to heal you. This is because thoughts stimulate chemicals in the body and the chemicals can build you up or tear you down depending on which thoughts generate which chemicals. For example, worry and anxiety generate adrenaline and cortisol and wear your body down. Focusing on pleasurable things that you are interested in and curious about can generate the release of dopamine which can regenerate the body.

Many neuro-scientists are now talking about the role of learning and our ability to continually regenerate our brains and avoid some of the diseases of aging like dementia and Alzheimer's disease. The willingness and ability to stretch ourselves and to learn new things plays a key role in our mental agility. The more we learn new things, the stronger and more vital and vibrant we stay. Our curiosity is a key ally in this drive.

Advice for young adults, part 2

Thank you Beth, Susan, Barbara and Rachel.
I really appreciated your input and perspectives. It reinforces and adds a lot to my own understanding of the importance of experimenting, whether with classes, volunteering or trying on different jobs. You also countered the myth that you are supposed to know early on, and instead, drove home the idea of not deciding too soon or prematurely; in spite of the collective pressure to do so. The idea of dealing with adversity as a strengthening agent, I think is counter intuitive, but accurate. My only concern is about the timing, with young adults newly on their own. Chapter 9 in Barbara Sher's book, I Could Do Anything If I Knew What It Was, addresses this beautifully. Finally, the idea of sharing my perspective on the qualities I see in them, I think is important. I did share with one and he lit up. I think it is important to do this in a way that emphasizes that I am offering a perspective and not THE truth, so it leaves room for their own discovery of the qualities that are important to them. I know it is really valuable and important to each of them to really be seen and respected. Thank you again.