Category: Simon Sinek

Navigating the Tech World with the ‘7 Why’s’: Insights from Outliers and the Power of Intention

Introduction

In the tech industry, where innovation and complexity meet, finding your ‘why’ is not just insightful, it’s crucial for success. This concept becomes even more powerful when intertwined with Malcolm Gladwell’s insights from “Outliers,” particularly his observation about plane crashes resulting from seven consecutive human errors. In this article, we delve into how the ‘7 Whys’ technique, combined with a deliberate and intentional approach, can be transformative for tech professionals.

The Importance of “Why” in Tech:

The relentless pace of the tech world demands more than just technical skills; it requires clarity of purpose and direction. Gladwell’s analysis of errors leading to aviation disasters is a poignant reminder of how a lack of clarity can lead to cumulative missteps in technology projects and careers.

The 7 Why’s Technique

Originally used in manufacturing to identify root causes, the ‘7 Whys’ is a method of iterative questioning that helps uncover deeper motivations. It aligns perfectly with Gladwell’s concept of compounded errors, highlighting the need to understand the underlying reasons behind our professional actions to avoid potential pitfalls.

Finding your Why

Being Deliberate and Intentional

In tech, every decision and action should be deliberate and intentional. This approach is not just about making choices; it’s about understanding the reasons behind these choices.

Being deliberate means being aware of the implications of your actions, just as understanding the consecutive errors in a plane crash helps in preventing them. Being intentional is about aligning your actions with your deeper purpose – your ‘why’. This section can explore how a deliberate and intentional approach, combined with the ‘7 Whys’, can lead to more meaningful and impactful work in tech.

Applying the 7 Whys in Tech

Consider your engagement in a tech project. Asking ‘Why am I working on this?’ might initially yield a surface-level answer. But as you continue to question, seeking deeper understanding, you might uncover motivations like a desire to innovate for social good or bridge digital divides, leading to more focused and intentional work.

Conclusion

In the dynamic world of technology, understanding your ‘why’ and acting deliberately and intentionally can be your guiding stars. The ‘7 Whys’, especially when considered alongside the insights from “Outliers”, offers a path to self-discovery and purpose-driven work.

As you evolve in your tech career, continually revisiting your ‘why’ and the intent behind your actions will keep you aligned and prevent the ‘crashes’ of professional misdirection.

How to Master the Art of Consistency – Leadership Lessons

The Topic was taken from

Introduction

Consistency is often the underdog of leadership qualities. While traits like vision and charisma get the spotlight, consistency is quietly working in the background, making everything possible. In leadership, consistency isn’t just a virtue but a necessity. This blog post aims to explore the importance of consistency in leadership and provide actionable steps to master it.

Table of Contents

  1. Why Consistency Matters in Leadership
  2. The Pillars of Consistency
  3. How to Build Consistency
  4. Challenges in Maintaining Consistency
  5. Case Studies: Leaders Who Excelled Through Consistency
  6. Conclusion

Why Consistency Matters in Leadership

Builds Trust

Consistency is the cornerstone of trust. Team members are more likely to trust a leader who is predictable and reliable.

Enhances Credibility

A consistent leader gains credibility, not just among team members but also stakeholders and clients.

Fosters Accountability

When a leader is consistent in their actions and expectations, it sets a standard that encourages everyone else to be accountable for their roles.

The Pillars of Consistency

Integrity

Consistency starts with being true to your word. If you promise something, make sure to deliver.

Discipline

Discipline is the fuel that keeps the engine of consistency running.

Adaptability

While it may seem counterintuitive, being adaptable is crucial for consistency. Conditions change, and a consistent leader knows how to adapt without compromising their core principles.

How to Build Consistency

Set Clear Expectations

Clearly outline what you expect from your team and what they can expect from you.

Develop Routine

A well-thought-out routine can be a powerful tool for maintaining consistency.

Measure and Monitor

Regularly check your performance metrics to ensure you are staying on the path of consistency.

Challenges in Maintaining Consistency

Complacency

The biggest enemy of consistency is complacency. Never let success make you lax in your commitment to consistency.

External Pressures

Sometimes external circumstances can make it challenging to maintain consistency. The key is to remain steadfast.

Case Studies: Leaders Who Excelled Through Consistency

  1. Steve Jobs: His consistent focus on innovation led Apple to new heights.
  2. Warren Buffet: Known for his consistent investment strategies, which have paid off in the long run.

Conclusion

Mastering the art of consistency is not an overnight task. It requires dedication, discipline, and a commitment to continuous improvement. However, the rewards are well worth the effort, as consistency is the key to becoming a leader who not only inspires but also delivers.

5 Fundamentals of Leadership – Leadership Development

5 Fundamentals of Leadership Largely taken from

Simon Sinek delves into the contrasting philosophies of finite and infinite games in the realm of leadership. He argues that to excel in the infinite game of leadership, one must concentrate on five core principles:

  1. A Just Cause: A compelling purpose that motivates individuals to willingly make sacrifices.
  2. Trusting Teams: Cultivating a culture where team members feel secure and empowered, thereby encouraging innovation and teamwork.
  3. A Worthy Rival: Having a competitor that helps you identify your shortcomings and pushes you to improve.
  4. Existential Flexibility: The ability to make significant changes in strategy to further a cause, even if it disrupts current success.
  5. Courage to Lead: The bravery to challenge traditional leadership norms, focusing on long-term gains and the well-being of others.

By adopting an infinite mindset, leaders can create a lasting, positive impact that goes beyond their own lifetime.

Change your future

5 Transformative Lessons from Simon Sinek to Change Your Future

Here are five lessons that stand out:

Lesson One: Forge Your Own Path, But Let Others Do the Same

The Road Less Travelled

Sinek emphasizes that you are free to chase your dreams and ambitions, but this freedom should extend to everyone else. In a world that often follows the beaten path, daring to take the road less travelled can be liberating.

The Balance of Individualism and Community

While it’s essential to focus on your goals, it’s equally crucial to respect others’ journeys. This balance creates a harmonious community where everyone can thrive.

Lesson Two: Own Your Actions, Both Good and Bad

The Double-Edged Sword of Responsibility

Taking credit for your achievements is easy; owning up to your mistakes is the real challenge. Sinek advises that true leadership involves taking responsibility for both.

The Growth in Accountability

When you hold yourself accountable, you not only earn the respect of those around you but also pave the way for personal growth and improvement.

Lesson Three: Be a “Lead Worrier” by Supporting Those Around You

The Essence of Leadership

According to Sinek, a true leader worries about their team. Leadership is not about being in charge but about taking care of those in your charge.

The Power of Collective Success

When you focus on helping the person to your left and the person to your right, you create a supportive environment that fosters collective success.

Lesson Four: Listen Before You Act

The Value of Being Heard

Sinek points out that allowing others to speak before you do gives them a sense of being heard, which is empowering and fosters a collaborative spirit.

The Wisdom in Listening

By being the last to speak, you also benefit from hearing multiple perspectives, which can lead to better decision-making.

Lesson Five: Position vs. Person

The Illusion of Importance

As you climb the ladder of success, people will treat you differently. Sinek cautions that this newfound respect is for your position, not for you as a person.

The Humility in Leadership

Being grateful for the accolades and respect that come your way is important, but remembering that these are not a reflection of your worth as a person is crucial for grounded leadership.

Why Leaders should eat last

Table of Contents

Summary

The Video and book of the same title explores the concept of effective leadership, emphasizing that great leaders create an environment based on trust and collaboration, where team members feel safe and valued.

Key Points:

  1. Circle of Safety: Sinek introduces the idea that effective leaders create a ‘Circle of Safety’ where employees feel protected and are thus more willing to collaborate and innovate.
  2. Chemical Incentives: The book discusses biological factors like endorphins, dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin, explaining how they contribute to feelings of happiness and safety, or stress and self-interest, in the workplace.
  3. Empathy and Trust: Good leaders prioritize the well-being of their team over numbers or results. This fosters trust and a strong sense of community, which ultimately benefits the organization.
  4. Long-term vs Short-term: Sinek warns against short-term thinking, like prioritizing quarterly results over long-term well-being. Such an approach can break the ‘Circle of Safety’ and negatively impact employee morale.
  5. The Role of Leaders: A good leader is willing to sacrifice their own interests to protect and benefit those under their care. Hence, “Leaders Eat Last.”
  6. Organizational Culture: A strong culture is one where everyone feels like they belong, which leads to increased productivity and job satisfaction.
  7. Adapt and Overcome: Great leaders are those who can adapt to new challenges while keeping the ‘Circle of Safety’ intact. They’re not resistant to change but approach it in a way that minimizes danger to their team.
  8. Think of being a manager as being a parent,look after your people , lead by listening , help people grow and develop , support, protect and prioritize people

In summary, the book argues that exceptional leadership is about creating a culture of trust and safety, which results in more successful, engaged, and happy team members. This is achieved through a long-term focus, empathy, and a willingness to place the needs of the team before one’s own, epitomized by the phrase “Leaders Eat Last.”

Circle of Safety

This is a powerful image of the Circle of safety

What makes a Great Manager?

Taken from

Table of Contents

Interestingly, when i created this page i started by calling it “Good Managers” but i like the term “Great Managers” better.

Borrowing an Abbreviation from one of my Managers and adding my own twist.

V.V.P.S.T ( Visible, Vocal , Positive, Safe and Trusted)

Be Visible

Be Vocal

Be Positive

Make people feel Safe and Trusted (see the above You Tube Video by Simon Sinek)

A few Additions i have learnt along the way

small things – give people recognition tell them well done, sometimes small things can be very powerful one that sticks in my mind was turning up to shift work on Xmas Eve on my own covering 3 datacenters and monitoring 100 of computer systems to find by boss had left be a 2£ Xmas selection box

really listen and take an interest in people

understand what makes different people tick.

don’t let other people pass their problem on their back to you, empower colleagues to make their own decisions.

Other Reading

See all the other posts in the management category.