The ONE Thing About INNOVATIONISTS™

Written by Larry Fehd, CEO & Founder / HPS

I recently attended a seminar called The ONE Thing. It was based on the book, The ONE Thing, as referenced in my post Pareto’s 80/20 Principle. The principles of The ONE Thing are simple and reinforced by Pareto’s Principle. However, knowledge alone, like commitment, does not prompt change unless we exercise the verb form of discipline (i.e. taking action) to apply it.

Since The ONE Thing seminar, I have remained in contact with many who attended. In jest, as a reminder and reinforcement of the learning, I have asked them: “What is your ONE thing today? This is not an indictment, however, none of them could answer the question. Most had forgotten about the seminar and could not recall the fundamental concepts. My response to the same question from them, “To continue evolving my new concept of Invitational Leadership™.

Last week, I attended a brief presentation but honestly do not recall any of the content. Again, this is not an indictment of the speaker, but rather a question about the clarity (or absence) of his ONE thing. The speaker talked about the importance of “commitment.” I silently agreed, but asked a follow-on question about the role of discipline. My point was that commitment is a noun. Discipline is both a noun and verb. Discipline, the verb form, is the action part of commitment.

Words are powerful and the mind does not filter what we say (and how) we speak to ourselves. We often hear the word or phrase, “commitment” or “I’m committed to…”  I am not diminishing the importance of commitment. I am suggesting that we pay closer attention to what we commit to doing and then consider if we are equally committed to the action of discipline to achieve it.

Making a commitment and then not following through erodes trust. This is true in the context of our relationships with others as well as our relationship with ourselves. Making and keeping commitments impacts our self-esteem and self-confidence. In the context of our relationship with others, it is a direct reflection of how we value them. And, they are well aware of how they do (or do not) feel valued in relation to fulfilling our commitments to them.

Perhaps the ONE thing that we can all improve upon is the discipline to achieve our commitments. Exercising economy in making and then delivering on those commitments serves our best as well as others best interest. There are both tangible (perceptible by touch) and intangible (unable to touch or not having a physical presence) benefits to fulfilling our commitments. Both are powerfully at play in how we regard ourselves as well as others in our lives.

“You can’t build a reputation on what you’re going to do.” – Henry Ford

 

Tips and Practical Applications: 

  • What is your ONE thing today?  This week? Month?  Quarter?  Year?  Have you made a commitment(s) to your ONE thing(s) without engaging The Power of Discipline?
  • In the context of START, STOP and CONTINUE, begin with STOP (eliminate) the trivial many that are competing with and creating barriers to achieving the vital few.  Pareto would be proud!
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© Human Performance Strategies (HPS). All rights reserved.

Larry Fehd

Chief Executive Officer & Founder / HPS
Executive Leadership & Business Optimization Advisor

CONTACT:
M: (512) 415-0748
Email: lfehd@hp-strategies.com

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