How The Mighty Fall

 

                                                            

One of the benefits of air travel is that I have the chance to read. Reading is not a habit I normally am very attracted to because of my high "D" personality and my adult attention disorder. I'd rather be "doing" than dealing with detail stuff. Being forced to sit in one place for a period of time has been a blessing for me. I've read some really thought provoking literature during my travels.
 

Recently I read (and am now re-reading) the book by Jim Collins How The Mighty Fall. A book describing how "Great Companies" fall to destruction, or near destruction. It reminded me of an article I had written several years ago that was published in an overseas forum. The title of my work was Leadership Failure. Today I was reminded of the earthquake that occurred in Washington D.C. a couple of years ago and the headlines in the paper that said " Lost in seconds, what it took years to build." It concerned the National Cathedral and the damage it suffered in just a few seconds in August 2011.

 

In American culture we are enamored with self-help, self promotion and be all you can be publications and sermons. I'm grateful to guys like Collins who was willing to caution and describe the pit falls that can derail an organization. This book does not just sell "hype" and "get rich quick" happy blather, rather it sounds a warning. My hope is that books like this will create "self reflection" personally and organizationally. Having written best sellers like Good to Great and Built to Last Mr. Collins even alerted his staff that "we will be going to the "dark side in this book."

 

Too many pastors, instructors, CEO's and professional speakers sell the Power of Positive Thinking and miss telling of sin, the depravity of man, poor management behavior, consequences of decisions and the steps of destruction that have caused many to fall. Your good works and good reputation can be lost in a moment of indiscretion or what you believe to be private behavior. We need only to look at the recent problems with General Petreaus, General John Allen, Lance Armstrong, Bernie Madoff, etc. to make our point.

 

Before you go any further you must know that I'm a VERY positive guy. I tend to look at the best in organizations and people. However I'm also a realist. As a leader I believe it necessary to point out The Good, The Bad and the Ugly. I think you can learn more from winning than you do losing, but you can learn from the losses as well. My writings are not as eloquent and my research isn't as extensive as Mr. Collins. I don't have the staff or money to conduct the kind of research he can. So,my thoughts come from two sources.

 

1.) My own rise and fall professionally and personally.

 

2.) A constant observation of people/managers/organizations who have started well but have fallen along the way.

 

I encourage you to read Collins books and my article. But before you do, here are a few other things to consider, both professionally and personally to avoid the "fall."
 

> Know who you are and how you came to that realization.
For me, this came later in life. I was in my late 40's before I had a clear understanding of who I am and my purpose for being. This clear understanding has made all the difference for me as a business guy, husband, father, etc. There is nothing in my purpose statement that has anything to do with consulting or making money.

 

> Does your ethical/professional behavior come from some "guru", the little voice inside you or something else?
Recently I read about Shelia. When asked about her belief system and what guides her, she said, " I believe in Sheilaism. I listen to the little voice of Sheila inside me to make decisions." Really? I don't know about you, but if I listened to a tenth of what my little voice tells me I'd be in big trouble most of the time!

 

> Keep your eyes on the prize set before you.
Along the way, you will make mistakes, be embarrassed, be criticized and a host of other feelings that could derail you. Knowing your purpose and being faithful to the end is what separates the winners from pretenders.

 

> Be careful of what you look at and think about.
In my CI education classes I remind my students that what you think about, think about and continue to think about is what you will become. There is more proof and evidence to this statement than I can go into today but there is much truth behind it. Who you are will determine what you think about and will guide you. I tell folks all the time, be careful what you turn your children's mind over to. TV, the Internet and video games has (in part) caused a thinking process that has derailed the morality in our society. The apostle Paul warned the Roman Christians.."Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." Romans 12:2
 

> Discipline yourself in the principles you know are right.
World class athletes have a discipline that is uncommon for most of us. Their daily regiment is well thought out and executed. They are successful because they have a constancy of purpose. In my own life, there are daily things I must do to stay on track.

 

> Don't hypnotize yourself. 
You're not as good as you think you are, and you're not as bad as others might say you are. The Bible puts it this way "examine your self." Do it often and do it honestly. With a sober mind, take a look in the mirror and give a proper assessment then make adjustments if needed. Consider the best you ever were and the worst you ever were. What caused that to happen? Who did you have around you? Who did you listen to?

 

Our country is crying for exceptional leaders, both in business, government and families. As I've said many times before...there are more leadership books than there are true leaders. After reading Collins book, "examine yourself" and then LEAD.

 

I don't think I'm at the last pages of my book called life, but I'm certainly in the back chapters of the book. I have more years behind me than I have in front of me. I have a strong desire to "finish well." To do that, I must avoid the fall. Following the above mentioned steps will help me do that. What about you and your organization? What are you doing to avoid the fall?