My colleagues and I are in the process of creating a series of short films showcasing examples of Greater Than Yourself in action. Over the next few months, I’ll be sharing some video clips on this site. We already have some great footage in the can (yeah…that’s film jargon. Are you impressed? I used to think “in the can” meant something entirely different. It still does, just not in this context. But I digress…) and we’re on the lookout for more examples.
Here’s a little video intro to the theme, the project and the challenge. To refresh your memory you may want to read this first.
Wow – excellent, motivating and as usual very well said….makes me want to see the next “reel”. I find that I get caught in life and don’t spend the time reading the blogs or visiting the site, then something brings me back and I am reenergized immediately. Thanks for the excellent work and continuing to provide a place for me to come back to….I can’t wait to start my project!
Steve,
I completely agree with the premise that the more you try to help and build up others the more you progress. You can see it in great leaders; they downplay their own skills and praise others around them. Inevitably those who make it their purpose to help others become better than themselves progress much farther than they would otherwise.
I’m stoked by the GTY project and am starting my own (I wrote a post on my blog). Thanks for taking on this great endeavor! -Michael
Steve, When Radical Leap came out in 2004 I had just moved from a VP of Operations role to VP of Organizatinal Development for a large residential property management company in Orange County, Ca. One of my first projects was to create a program to develop emerging leaders in the organization. The philosophies you put forth in your work were aligned with my beliefs (as well as the work of Robert Greenleaf, Meg Wheatley and James Autry – all of whom speak of serving others as the highest form of leadership) and influenced the foundational messages taught in the program. In 3 years 75 people went through the program, most of them still with the organization and many of them now leading others. In my 18 years with that company this was the most fulfilling and rewarding work I contributed. Because I found so much meaning in in raising others up, I ventured out to spread my message to wider audience and have launched my own leadership consulting business. Finding kindred spirits in this work, keeps me motivated and inspired. Thanks, Janine McDonald
Steve,
I really like the theory of ‘higher than yourself.’ As a leader coach, I use the concept of “intent.” What is your intent? I find, as it sounds like you do, that “high intent” gets checked at the door. And in it’s place is “low intent” which is all about “me.” How do I look good to my manager? How do I gain credibility? How do I get my goals accomplished? On and on it goes….
So, my challenge to leaders is to change your intent from “me” focused to “you” focused. And I actually catch them when their intent lags.
Thanks for great work.
Caskey