Elevating Consciousness Elevates Performance
Empirical evidence overwhelmingly supports the notion that elevating one's consciousness leads to a corresponding elevation in performance across a wide range of domains. Thus, individuals and organizations alike would be well-served to prioritize the cultivation of heightened states of consciousness as a means of achieving optimal performance.
Strategy < Culture < Structure
The value of decentralization is nothing new - this is why the Apaches defeated the superior Spanish Army for centuries and why the VietCong (and later al-Qaida) gave the US a hard time, despite the clear US advantage of sophistication. However, after recently reading up on beginner-level physics, I found an interesting lens through which to expand on the concept of centralization of management.
The Future of Culture is Spiritual
In nature, the organisms which are the most resilient last the longest. When external factors change, these most vital organisms can maintain homeostasis; weaker organisms cannot and eventually become extinct. This is resilience.
Looking a little bit deeper at this biological concept and analogy reveals an exciting insight into ways we can shape our organizations to respond to changing external conditions.
The Discipline Trap
The idea that discipline will bring you freedom is absurd. I saw it on a bumper sticker a few weeks ago ad now I see it everywhere. Before I explain and set you on a better path to freedom, let’s define freedom first. From Webster: freedom is the “absence of necessity, coercion, or constraint in choice or action”. To put it differently and take it a little deeper, true freedom lies in being fully present and letting go of the past and future. In other words, true freedom is not found in external circumstances, but rather in one’s internal circumstances. Don’t get me wrong, discipline got me through SEAL training and paid for my house, but it’s far too limiting to put all of your chips on it - it can never bring you freedom. Freedom isn’t having a private jet - freedom is having your private jet stolen and still feeling good about life. Let’s discuss.