World affairs present many opportunities to reflect on the subject of peace. In addition to the larger issues of world peace, I have been thinking about how this applies to the role of leaders. The dictionary offers several definitions of the word peace, and the one that most applies to the workplace is “freedom from quarrels; harmony; concord.” Organizations need a state of equilibrium in order to sustain a high level of performance. There needs to be enough basic trust and good will for people to feel safe and respected. Higher levels of trust provide even better conditions for innovation and achievement. There also needs to be room for disagreements, differences, and openness to new ideas. Conflicting views and interests need to be balanced. Avoiding conflict may result in a lack of accountability or an intolerance for differing viewpoints. Not enough attention to peace may result in undisciplined self-expression, disrespectful behaviors, and unhealthy group dynamics. Neither extreme is good for people or good for business.

Food for Thought ~

I often think of organizations as small villages or communities. Just as in our larger communities, we need leaders to model that optimal balance of working with others amicably, yet openly, building trust through honesty and integrity, and appropriately addressing and resolving conflict. Good leaders have a sixth sense about maintaining harmony in their organizations.

Question of the day ~

What are the best ways to achieve and preserve your company’s optimal state of equilibrium?

September always means “back to school” to me. Even though most of us are no longer full-time students, I like thinking about the excitement and joy of learning. Leadership is the art of management, and as with all the arts, there is no absolute point of complete mastery. There are many excellent books and classes on leadership that are well worth studying; and the primary classroom is the never-ending school of experience. Changing circumstances bring a continuing stream of new issues and opportunities. Hopefully we will grow in wisdom and judgement, acquire new knowledge and skills, and continue to challenge ourselves to learn.

Food for Thought ~

Henry Ford is reported to have said, “Keep learning and you will never grow old.” Brain researchers have discovered that any kind of learning, on any subject, has a beneficial effect on our cognitive functioning. So whether for the joy of learning, or the self-defense of maintaining our capacities, let us choose to always be learning something new.

Question of the day ~

What would you like to learn? What would you like to learn to further your professional abilities; and what would you like to learn just for the fun of it?

I am fortunate to live near a wonderful regional park. Today I stopped for a hike on my way home. I was enjoying a brisk walk when I came to a boggy area called “The Swamp” on the park map. I hesitated. Did I want to get my shoes that muddy and have to clean them when I got home? Did I want to risk slipping in the slimy black mud? Yes, I did. I carefully picked my way across the swamp, and as I was just about to the safety of dry ground, I heard a loud staccato sound, a cross between tapping and knocking. Human construction-type activity being unlikely in that location, I looked around for a woodpecker. Indeed, a glorious Pileated Woodpecker was just 30′ away, busily working a dead tree for his dinner. I stood silently in the mud, savoring this infrequent sighting of one of my favorite birds, and thinking of the gift that came as a result of my decision to traverse the swamp.

As I walked on, it occurred to me that in leading and managing a business, we often come across “swamps” of one sort or another. Sometimes we have no choice but to go forth and work our way through a difficult situation. But it is the exceptional leaders who voluntarily choose to walk into the messy parts of their organizations to set things right. Today I was reminded that surprising treasures can be found even while we are stepping gingerly through a patch of mud.

Are there any “swamps” in your company that merit your attention?

(A “swamp” can be as simple as your desk or e-mail inbox that needs to be re-organized for efficiency, or as complex as a system that needs to be improved, a relationship with a co-worker that is not what it needs to be, or a part of your organization that is clearly not functioning well.)