GLASS HALF FULL - UNITY IS THE STRENGTH

Creating great organizations is as much about an idea or vision, and having great people working together effectively. Much has been written about the “right people” and about having “a great vision with a visionary leader” but companies struggle to transition from theory to practice.

I have been in the work force for more than 20 years and I have had the pleasure to work with many poor leaders, work for organizations lacking a vision and have been surrounded by countless average employees and co-workers. This then leads me to believe that priorities for most organizations need to focus on finding a visionary, hands on, lead by example leader that promotes and inspires individuals to work together more effectively.

Organizations are generally a product of their past, the personalities that inhabit the people in the organization and the cultures of the industries that they work in.

As organizations grow, they lose their ability to be entrepreneurial and they focus more on protecting their assets. This is all good but it means their ability to grow and expand slows, political infighting grows, and waste grows in the company.

It seems that many organizations that have achieved a level of success seem to plateau and fail to reach the next level. The visionary leader no longer exists and managers work hard at protecting risk.

My hypothesis is that as we look forward and attempt to drive performance and results we need to re-invent ourselves, and focus more on how we work than what we do. Individuals need to work in concert and not against the fabric of the companies’ primary goal, which is to make money for its owners and shareholders while creating an environment that promotes collaboration, professional and personal growth.

Success is not about personal egos, it is about alignment, cooperation and team work. Lets re-write how the story ends by embracing change and fostering collaboration. To win a battle we need an army not a soldier. I hope 2016 allows each one of us to become a better version of ourselves, we should practice giving not just taking, we should learn to listen, judge less (empathy), and choose everyday to see the glass half full.

Is your glass half empty or half full? CHOOSE to live life as an optimist, NOT a pessimist. Don't focus on... what could've gone wrong, look at what didn't go wrong; not what you don't like about your job, but appreciate that you have a job; the imperfections about your mate, but that someone loves you enough to see past your imperfections; not that your loved one passed away, but that you were privileged to have he/she in your life. Living a good life is all about your perspective!

2015 was by all accounts a very challenging year filled with news of violence from terror attacks, police brutality, to heartbreaking stories such as the European refugee crisis. We have witnessed the oil and Gas sector economy collapse, and have seen others flourish. 2015 also had its fair share of stories of courage and solidarity; it also marked an important milestone as leaders finally united on the fight against climate change. United we can make a difference.