Prepare for Courage!
05/20/02
William Ian Miller, author of "The Mystery of Courage," talked about the importance of using stories to prepare for courage: "Read stories of courage. They make you wonder how you would have done compared with the hero of the tale, and you get very humble. You start self-querying and fantasizing about your own response, your own reaction. As the psalmist says, 'You become what you behold.' That's why stories of courage take you over. They are such cries of the heart."
Courage is a character trait we aspire to possess, but how to foster it remains elusive even to experts. The armed services try to test for it in boot camp and in simulated battles, but it is still hard to predict courage. For centuries, leaders have used tales of legendary courage to motivate others to emulate heroes and heroines. In a world preoccupied with measurement systems, processes, and best practices, could it be that we are forgetting the power of story to energize and inspire the troops on the front line of the great business battlefields?
Take time this week to think of people in your organization who have exhibited courage. Who had the courage to confront unethical behavior and challenge the organization to do what was right before it resulted in headlines? Who had the courage to champion change before it was popular and how did they make a difference? Who had the courage to confront you face-to-face instead of complaining behind your back? Who had the courage to stop the production line because something just wasn't right instead of waiting for an accident happen? Each organization has their heroes and heroines; few use their stories. If you want more courage from your people, tell a few more stories this week...and do it every week.
MONDAY'S MIRTHFUL MOMENT
This morning's mirthful moment comes from a book called, "Disorder in the Court." These are things people actually said in court, word for word, taken down and now published by court reporters - who had the torment of staying calm while these exchanges were actually taking place. Enjoy!
Q: Now doctor, isn't it true that when a person dies in his sleep, he doesn't know about it until the next morning?
Q: So the date of conception of (the baby) was August 8th?
A: Yes.
Q: And what were you doing at that time?Q: Are you qualified to give a urine sample?
Q: Do you recall the time that you examined the body?
A: The autopsy started around 8:30 p.m.
Q: And Mr. Dennington was dead at the time?
A: No, he was sitting on the table wondering why I was doing an autopsy.
When you keep your eyes open for mirth, you just may find it! Hope this kicks off your morning and helps get your mood adjusted for the week. Now, get busy MAKING CHANGE WORK and have some fun along the way!...