Over at Leading Questions, Ed Brenegar discusses Real Life Leadership - where “participation is a major problem.” Great topic and one that we see too little mentioned… maybe that ‘s because I feel like one of those people Ed mentions whose life is busy… so much so I say “No” to far more than I agree to attend.
What can be done? Ed suggests that firms deal with it as both a personal and a relationship issue. I would like to have read even a bit more about the three words “deal with it,” since I am intrigued about this problem as an individual and a business leader. How do you deal with the lack of participation problem?
Ed sees… “People participate for two reasons. Its personal and relational.” Do you agree? I was thinking of places I attend and I would add the Rotary slogan that draws many of us – “Service Above Self…”
I agree that my participation increases when there is a personal stake in the outcome, and when I find personal meaning in participating, so that being there makes a difference. Ed’s idea called Impact Leadership and The Circle of Impact helps organizational planning for more participation, and it looks like it will help. It seems to add that personal stake in the outcome that keeps us coming back.
It seems to me that there are two further questions to consider here:
1. How can we slow down some parts of our lives to create more meaningful participation – the kind Ed calls for?
2. When is it time to move on to another more current circle… without abandoning completely the ones you regularly attend?
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