Beyond Command-and-Control

I’ve included a blog post from Seth Godin (in its entirety, at the bottom) to get you thinking.

Please read Seth’s words below and rejoin me for a couple questions.

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You’re back?

Great!

If you invoke the Platinum Rule (treat others as they would like to be treated… ), which approach (or in Seth’s parlance, “strategies”) would the people in your life prefer?

Would they want to managed for efficiency and productivity, or encouraged to do their best work?

Would they want to be convinced, or worse, manipulated, into doing what you want? Or would they rather be invited to collaborate in a decision, whether it be where to have dinner or where to live?

Ask yourself, ask your Soul which you rather do . . .

Ask yourself who you’d rather be in those moments.

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Nature and nurture (professional edition)

The boss, conference organizer, co-worker, interviewer, parent or client who wants your best work, your art and your genuine enthusiasm:

…can demand that you bring your best possible work the first time, can point out that they are paying you well, that they’re busy, that they’re powerful, and that they accept nothing short of high performance or you’re out.

…or they can nurture you, encourage you, set a high bar and then support you on your way. They can teach you, cajole you and introduce you to others that will do the same.

The first strategy is the factory mindset, of interchangeable parts and interchangeable people. It is the strategy of ensuring six sigma perfection, on demand, and the strategy of someone in power, who can demand what he wants, when he wants it.

You don’t make art this way, or emotional connections, or things that haven’t been made before. You may get the job done, but it’s not clear if you’ll make a difference.

Click here to read the original post.