Is it really passion?

We spoke about courage. Some of you might be thinking, but how is that measurable? You don't. Courage, as we have discussed is about having a moral compass as a guide. It's like a list of rules that tell you the do-s and don't-s. It is essentially based on our values, beliefs, and principles.

I cannot emphasize enough how important principles are. In fact, there appears to be scope for talking about values vs principles. In a nutshell, values determine the kind of action we will take. It shapes our behaviors. It defines our response to a certain situation.

For instance, if "success" is a value, to one person it could mean working really hard. To another it could mean doing whatever it takes to get to the top. Both are behaviors that different people will adopt. However, the main difference could be that working really hard just to get ahead; using all your talents, resources, and intellect to get ahead. But doing whatever it takes can mean, even if one needs to cheat to get ahead, one will do it. The differences lie in the consequences. The first doesn't have any negative consequences but the latter, if found out will result in being deemed as dishonest.

Herein lies the difference and because each carry a different principle. Therefore, values such as "courage" must be combined with a positive intent principle.

Now, coming to measurables, we need to look at learning and growth, excellence, and innovativeness and creativity. These are essentially activities that can be measured. For instance, if someone is passionate about an area; she will read anything related to the topic, go on to do deeper researches, talk to experts, and the list goes on. However, knowledge alone is insufficient as we'd still need to apply it so that it can really be a skill.

That's the reason why I included growth with learning. I can learn, read, research, or even speak to Michael Phelps about swimming, but unless I jump into the pool to put those knowledge into action, it will never become a skill. At best, you could end up being an armchair critic. Much like some academics who could write books about what makes a great organization but unless they have actually run and manage one, their intellectual discourse are just that.

Hence, growth would mean certain outcomes that can be measured. For instance, if our staff engages in a learning community (learning), this is but only an activity! Everyone can clock in hundreds of hours in that community. But unless we see outcomes (not necessary positive) such as a completed project that is a result of those hours spent in the learning community, there is no growth. So, this is a pair of activity and outcome indicator.

Next, let's talk about excellence. Someone who is passionate will strive for excellence. Not to be confused with perfection. That is why Lexus' tagline of "Relentless Pursuit of Perfection" just drive me nuts. When we are obsessed with perfection, we stress ourselves out. Firstly, let's face it, it will never be perfect. Secondly, if we go for perfection then it could even result in us not willing to put out any work or to try anything until we have perfected it.

This is absurb, which is why it should be the Relentless Pursuit of Excellence. What is means to me is that, in everything we do, we will (a) review it, (b) identify areas for improvement, (c) look out for best practices, and (d) do it better, faster, more efficient, more effective the next time. How to measure? This would involve demonstrating that we have structured review processes in place. Additionally, we review the review process. We identify areas for improvements that are strategic and not just operational kinds. We would compare and benchmark ourselves against the best-in-class. And adapt and adopt such best practices into our organization. And finally, we must compare our outcomes against previous years and with our peers/competitors to see how we are doing.

The next discussion will focus on "innovativeness and creativity" and "abundance".

Respectfully yours,
Melvyn Tan
(Sent from my Blackberry Bold)