> While the work is important, there’s always something more important than the work.
100%.
I have a former colleague who is also a friend of mine. We have worked together at three different companies on various projects.
When I was promoted to team leader in our latest project, I found myself needing to push people a little harder initially. There was a moment when I was close to crossing a line, being upset with him and others over something absolutely unimportant.
I paused and asked myself: Do I want this task done my way, or do I value maintaining a friendship?
Sometimes, it's best to let things be good enough the way others prefer. Focus on managing only the critical aspects.
Thanks John. I don't manage people (except wife and children… actually they manage me), but, come to think of it, these are helpful tips for managing yourself, too: Go first, get feedback later, Teach yourself how to fish; There's always something more important than work.
Your side note reminds me of something Andy Crouch writes about in The Life We're Looking for, the distinction between devices and instruments. Instruments enable you, devices do it for you.
Lastly, kudos to your photographer for following you around and snapping nice pics as you cycle.
Thanks Chris! You hit the nail on the head. That's what I like about these business lessons - they often contain meaningful life/personal lessons as well. Love that framing re devices vs. instruments - I'll check out Andy's book! Haha yes happy to say I also got a few good snaps of the group, just like this one the most for obvious reasons.
Congrats on the 500 milestone John. Which ties in with #1 on your list, going first. An important thing for a manager to champion and set the context for, but also something every individual creator has to remember. It's practically the job description of being a creator—just go first. And if you can be open to modifying your products and expression when the feedback comes your way then you're on the road to success. But it takes a lot of maturity and personal stability to go first, and perhaps even more to hold your seat when the feedback comes. This is an underrated dynamic as a professional competency and I appreciate you calling it out.
That's so true, Rick. To put your work out there takes a certain level of strength. To then be open to feedback takes even more grounding. But that's where the magic happens - keep iterating and improving. Appreciate the support!
People who can write from a "blank page" are extremely underrated in business.
Everyone who comes after takes for granted the courage required to make the shitty first draft.
> While the work is important, there’s always something more important than the work.
100%.
I have a former colleague who is also a friend of mine. We have worked together at three different companies on various projects.
When I was promoted to team leader in our latest project, I found myself needing to push people a little harder initially. There was a moment when I was close to crossing a line, being upset with him and others over something absolutely unimportant.
I paused and asked myself: Do I want this task done my way, or do I value maintaining a friendship?
Sometimes, it's best to let things be good enough the way others prefer. Focus on managing only the critical aspects.
Thanks John. I don't manage people (except wife and children… actually they manage me), but, come to think of it, these are helpful tips for managing yourself, too: Go first, get feedback later, Teach yourself how to fish; There's always something more important than work.
Your side note reminds me of something Andy Crouch writes about in The Life We're Looking for, the distinction between devices and instruments. Instruments enable you, devices do it for you.
Lastly, kudos to your photographer for following you around and snapping nice pics as you cycle.
Thanks Chris! You hit the nail on the head. That's what I like about these business lessons - they often contain meaningful life/personal lessons as well. Love that framing re devices vs. instruments - I'll check out Andy's book! Haha yes happy to say I also got a few good snaps of the group, just like this one the most for obvious reasons.
Congrats on the 500 milestone John. Which ties in with #1 on your list, going first. An important thing for a manager to champion and set the context for, but also something every individual creator has to remember. It's practically the job description of being a creator—just go first. And if you can be open to modifying your products and expression when the feedback comes your way then you're on the road to success. But it takes a lot of maturity and personal stability to go first, and perhaps even more to hold your seat when the feedback comes. This is an underrated dynamic as a professional competency and I appreciate you calling it out.
That's so true, Rick. To put your work out there takes a certain level of strength. To then be open to feedback takes even more grounding. But that's where the magic happens - keep iterating and improving. Appreciate the support!