I’m sitting here staring at a blank document wondering what to write. I have a lot of ideas, like how technology can help or hinder your company culture, or how I made the mental shift from wanting to be a boss, to wanting to be a leader. Maybe a good topic would be a book report of sorts from something I read from the Mavidea library. I could even go with how a step was taken to gain greater understanding of a coworker and build communication by simply asking if he wanted to go for coffee (something this person and I NEVER do). I realize now that my topic should be….well….all of the above.
Personal Growth
In our culture discussions about Mavidea we tend to focus on how it’s an awesome place to work. We have fun serving others, there is a sense of openness and camaraderie that is more like working with your favorite siblings. There is another side to our company culture that has tended to be subtle but just as important, and that is a culture that supports and encourages personal growth. I say subtle because I was a late convert and it had nothing to do with my stubbornness. Seriously. Why are you looking at me like that? Over months and years I was exposed to the management team and their reading. They consumed a lot of books on varying topics, themes, and philosophies relating to running a business and individual growth as leaders. This led to discussions in company meetings, in reviews, and just in the hallways. Concepts started flowing and bit by bit the desire to strive for improvement was encouraged.
The Mavidea Library
Several years ago the Mavidea library was started and everyone was encouraged to partake. To get even more participation we would read as a team or small group or even as an entire company. I was hooked. So hooked that I have a standing quarterly goal to read at least one book from the Mavidea library. I have learned what it takes to be a Level 5 leader (I am nowhere near, but working on it!), I have learned strategies for dealing with conflict and what words to use (or not) to have a more successful conversation. A lot of the concepts are repeated, but that’s ok because it’s usually from a slightly different perspective that helped me understand something I may not have completely gotten before. This also completely reinforces the concepts so rather than trying to remember absolutely everything, it just becomes a part of you and you are better able to instinctively work through challenges.
Lead by Example
The important thing to take away from this is that it wasn’t a directive to read and improve, it started by observing my leadership. They set the example and it trickled down and made ME want to improve. Improving me improves the company.
What example are you setting?
