DO YOU CONSIDER YOURSELF A SUCCESS?

An American Express survey suggested that Americans define the nature of success differently than in years passed. Being in good health, finding time for the important things in life, having a good marriage/relationship, and knowing how to spend money well are part of the new definition, replacing material success signposts such as wealth and concrete achievement. Supporting this switch, “The Third Metric: Redefining Success Beyond Money and Power” conference spearheaded by Mika Brezezinski and Arianna Huffington, reinforced that our old definitions of success simply no longer work. “More, bigger, better—we can’t do that anymore,” said Huffington. In a commencement address she had driven this message home: “Right now, America’s workplace culture is practically fueled by stress, sleep deprivation and burnout.” Huffington's suggested solution: to create a movement that embraces the notion that physical and spiritual wellness are essential for a successful life. In support, she references the two nap-rooms available for Huffington Post employees. A 2^nd solution: to build workplaces that reward empathy and kindness. 

Wouldn’t it be nice if leaders incorporated such ideas into public policy, or at the very least, into all workplaces? 

            The Nonprofit Families and Work Institute cites six criteria necessary for an effective workplace: challenging and learning on the job, autonomy, work-life fit, support from a supervisor, a work climate of respect and trust and, of course, economic security.

See Alina Tugend, “A Budding Movement to Redefine the Successful Life,” The New York Times, June 15, 2013.

WHAT MAKES A ROLE MODEL?

Sheryl Sandberg, Facebook’s COO, may be a great role model. Or she may seem so perfect that others might find matching her success impossible. For women, the latter is often the case. It may well be that exposure to well-known, highly successful leaders does more harm than good to women’s self-perception.  It may well be better to look at those in your own circle who are just one or two steps ahead—rather than way out there. Focus a little closer to home rather than on the high performer. People perceived as “too perfect” might not make good role models.

Who are your role models?

(See Alina Tugend, “Sometimes Second-Best Makes a Better Role Model,” The New York Times, August 10, 2013, p. B5).

WHAT’S WRONG WITH MORE OF THE SAME?

Are you comfortable conversing with individuals whose ideas you find disagreeable or distasteful? 

In this age of tweeting, texting, emailing, and linking in, rather than choosing to communicate with those whose ideas they believe differ from theirs, people are prone to connect with those they think hold views similar to theirs. Thus, the individuals with whom we connect regularly tend to confirm rather than challenge our thinking. 

In order to prevent undisrupted idea reinforcement from blinding you, try following someone you wouldn’t ordinarily follow on Twitter, read a post on a site with views antithetical to your own, and connect with others with whom you not agree, both online and off!

We believe that seeking to interact with people whose ideas challenge us should make us better thinkers and communicators. What do you think?

           

(See Ravi Mattu, “We Need More Awkward Social Moments Online,” Financial Times, July 29, 2013, p. 10)