DICK BARKLEY: Limited thinking = limited results

Doing what I do, I have opportunity after opportunity to talk with people from many walks of life. I am astounded at just how much people are in their comfort zone and will do just about anything to stay there with such responses as — we have always done it that way; that just won’t work; that is not my job; they don’t do it the same way as we do it, etc.

I find it most interesting when people take a negative or defensive mode rather than just listening. Is there fear or comfort by not opening the mind to new possibilities?

Being involved with numerous companies locally, I can readily see which companies “get it” and which companies don’t. The ones that “get it” engage their people, are always looking at ways of improving and reward those instrumental in effecting change. On the other side of the coin are those that are top heavy and controlling.

Companies that embrace the attitude of always challenging the status quo make it a point to spend time either monthly, or at the very least semi-annually to look at what their core values are, what their strategic plan is, and assess whether the culture fosters those core values and strategic plan.

You all know how to identify who is on board and who displays subtractive behaviors. Those folks stick out like a sore thumb and if not dealt with will continue to be a cancer in your organization.

Taking this down to the personal level I might suggest doing a mini personal inventory of yourself. Am I open to a different point of view? Do I automatically think it can’t be done? Am I part of the problem or part of the solution? What is it about me that prevents me from moving forward?
We all have “demons” of one sort or another. Proactively addressing them is not always easy; fear of what is on the other side usually prevails. However, personal growth will not happen unless you do.

And, as a Chinese philosopher said, a 1,000-mile journey starts with the first step. The only limitations we have are the limitations we place on ourselves. Nothing more, nothing less.

And if you are like me, I know when “things” aren’t right with me. That is when I take a personal inventory and discover what it is that makes me feel out of balance. Could be any number of things like not spending quality time with my family, always putting someone else first instead of me, not exercising enough; you get the idea. Deep down you really do know what the issues are.