If you are intent on making a difference for others and creating real change in your field, “The Practice” by Seth Godin, could be a great read for you. The book, recommended by Jeremy Dean last year (thanks Jeremy) shares perspectives and challenges to help you do your best work.
Here are a few ideas that stood out for me:
- We become what we do. If you want to change your story, change your actions. We all have our own narrative of how things are, often created by our experiences and perceptions. Even when they are limiting, we hold on to these storylines. The nudge here is to take action, take small steps to start shifting your story.
For example, if you want to be a leader, lead. Grab the next chance, even if small, to step up as a leader.
- Imposter Syndrome is real. Feeling like an imposter may mean you are doing things you have never done before. Doing work where there is no guidebook, best practices, and when you are not sure of the outcome. When you are innovating, doing things for the first time, or taking some measure of risk. How often do you feel like an imposter not because you are pretending but because you are breaking new ground or navigating uncertainty?
- One way to avoid criticism (and to distrust our own voices) is to sound like everyone else. Why would you hold back on something valuable you can offer? Imagine the diversity of thinking, innovation when leaders create environments where everyone feels they can share divergent thoughts and ideas. This is the foundation of a high-performance culture and organization.
Take opportunities to speak up, share your different perspectives, to stand out not just fit in.
- Asking why is brave. Asking why allows us to understand how things work and how they can be better but it does take courage. Asking why of ourselves and others in a constructive way to challenge the status quo and encourage continuous improvement.
- Intent matters. Be clear about the change you seek to make. Design your change with purpose and empathy. What change are you creating? Who are you trying to change? How will you know if it worked? Being clear on your intent for change is key to building trust. With genuine empathy, you will also design your change with others in mind.
The Practice by Seth Godin is available to purchase from Penguin New Zealand here.
