Author: Nelson Coulter
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.