Who are you following? What does it mean for you to be enrolled in that journey? What commitments are you making and what compromises do you refuse to make?
Currently, Linus. For me to be enrolled in this journey means I make a little less money right now but I am working on some amazing things that are pushing the boundaries of the technology we are working with. It means that my boundaries have been pushed greatly and I have been forced to grow in a lot of ways I did not expect, it has been a major learning experience.
The commitments I am making are all about seeing this project through to the conclusion of making a profit and being self-sustaining. I see it as a major bridge and hurdle that I need to figure out. I have to find a way to replace myself with systems that will hold up against the tests of time, technology, and other people.
Now that you’ve considered the people you’re enrolled with, what would it mean for someone to be enrolled in following you? Are they getting the same satisfaction as you are? Are they making the same commitment? What are they seeking?
In relation to My Tribal Job, if I can get people on board with this project I know they will be able to get the same satisfaction of helping people and making a difference. I know that their help and commitment is what this project needs to go to the next level. From the previous exercise, I know we need to work on our story although, we are nearly there with the powerful message we currently have.
Think about the C people in your organization– and then figure out what about their role makes them act like C people? Are their round holes for these round people?
This question is one I have thought about a lot on other occasions and in other settings. I ask it a different way: “Can the person reach their full and true potential in the position they are in?”
It becomes a hard thing at times because if someone is working at their full potential they are often moved up to a “managerial” role (I know we are talking about leaders) and they might not be as effective in that position as the former. I know part of that is the assumption that if they are good at their job then they will be able to make others good at their similar job. I think this breaks down in most cases. I think that star that was doing something amazing just became a B person and if they get stressed or burnt out they become a C person.
Of the other C people I see around or have seen over the years, many of them are showing up for a paycheck. I have seen something amazing from Linus, somehow he is able to sense this happening and is able to motivate the C people beyond themselves. I have seen him do it by letting them try new things or grow in ways that they previously thought not possible. It is an amazing thing to witness.
