The wisest leaders I know are fixated on continuous improvement.
A continuous improvement mindset is inherently one that is futures focused. And, a continuous improvement mindset implies that something needs to change from its current state toward a better one. There’s that change thing again.
I know a few very worthy wearers of the Continuous Improver tattoo. Here are some of commonalities I have observed in their thinking/behavior:
Windshield Mania – they spend 10% or less time looking/thinking/talking/planning backward (the rearview mirror) and 90% or more time looking/thinking/talking/planning forward (the windshield).
Perseveration Nation – they relentlessly focus on clearly articulated vision and desired outcomes for themselves and their organizations.
Collective Intelligencia – they constantly invite the best thinking of the whole team (internal and external customers) into the let’s-get-better dialogue.
Energizer Gorillas (not bunnies) – they bring personal and focused energy to the endeavor and they foster it in others (through noticing, acknowledgement, praise, encouragement, and incentivizing).
From my past days as an athletic coach:
“If we’re not getting better, we’re getting left behind — because our competition most certainly IS getting better.”
*To read more on nc’s blatherings go to www.nelsonwcoulter.com.
Nelson Coulter
Nelson Coulter has held a lot of titles: rancher, educator, author, musician, entrepreneur, coach, mentor, consultant, and professor. He has coached, taught, and been published in many settings. He has served in public schools of all shapes, sizes, and contexts. He currently serves as an Assistant Professor of Professional Practice at Louisiana State University - Shreveport. His most cherished titles, however, are the ones not attached to career identity: son, husband, dad, and granddad.
