Reading: Chapter 6: A Culture of Discipline
Assignment - Deadline: Friday, September 12
A. Post two paragraphs inspired by one or more
of the study guide questions/thoughts for the week.
B. Post two separate comments to one or
more of your colleagues reacting to their paragraphs.
Questions – A Culture of Discipline
- If "rinsing your cottage cheese" is
important, how do you tell *which* cottage cheese is worth rinsing? In
other words, if diligent attention to detail is essential, how do we
decide which details are important, and which are trivial?
- Think of two people: One being someone who only sees
his or her job as a "job" and the other who understands that he
or she has a responsibility. How does this difference play itself out in
their work? What should we look for in locating such people?
- If class distinctions are deeply divisive, then why do
organizations persist in creating an executive class that separates itself
from those who do the real work? If you ran the whole show, what would you
remove to reduce these class distinctions?
- Do you have a "stop doing" list? What do you
put on your "stop doing" list?
Source: “Jim Collins – Good to Great: Discussion
Guide.” http://www.jimcollins.com/tools/discussion-guide.html
I chose to address the difference between the person who only sees one’s job as a “job” versus one who understands the sense of responsibility should undertake in one’s position. The person with the former attitude takes little pleasure in their job. This individual will rarely go beyond the minimum parameters of their position. Mentally, this person “checks out” the moment they arrive to work and prepares oneself for the end of the day well before the final hour. Consequently, their performance is mediocre at best.
ReplyDeleteIn contrast, the person who takes responsibility for their position understands their satisfaction in their role depends on what they are willing to bring to their job. One can never be passively engaged. Thus, I do not know how anyone can contend the job they agreed to take is “boring” or “unfulfilling.” A job usually lacks appeal, because we have given up on it. In that case, one would be better served to seek other employment. I am always impressed with someone who takes the initiative to move their job to the next level, instead of using the excuse one is dissatisfied that the position did not meet one’s expectations.
To address the "stop doing" list question - it's something that I have not consciously thought about, but it's something I do practice subconsciously. What many people often don't realize is the things you don't do can be just as import as the things you do. Professionally, sometimes when you "stop" reacting a certain way or doing something a certain way can provide great insight into the type of professional you are.
ReplyDeleteMy professional "stop doing" list has multiple layers: daily and overall. For me, one example of "stop doing" that I consciously practice is to not pursue every marketing opportunity that arrises. For example, I tend to get inundated with marketing and advertising opportunities and sometimes, the financial terms are great. However, just because it's a good deal doesn't necessarily mean it's a good deal for the Detroit Center. If the publication, event, etc. doesn't target the Detroit Center's user audience, even a good financial opportunity will turn out to be wasted money if it doesn't reach the correct demographic.
Mike -
ReplyDeleteI am glad you are so discerning about the marketing and advertising opportunities you choose to pursue for the Detroit Center. Even if you had a larger marketing budget, you are correct that many of these offers would be ineffective in reaching our target audience. We all have to apply lessons of discernment to our professional and personal lives.