Succeeding And Failing Just Enough
In my daily reading this morning I came across the phrase, “he succeeded and failed just enough.” This phrase in Bond of Union: Building The Erie Canal and the American Empire by Gerard Koeppel really intrigued me. It made me wonder if there is a sweet spot of successes and failure in life. If so, what is it? Furthermore, how would we plan for that? In the context of the book, Koeppel meant the person in question had a mix of successes and failures, and in just the right balance to end up being successful. But how do we determine the right balance? It implied that they achieved some level of success, but also experienced failure. Really that probably describes all of us. Those involved in getting the wild idea of the Erie Canal approved, get the funding, do the engineering (remember, engineering didn’t even exist yet) had to be willing to fail a lot.
That willingness to fail was just the ticket and necessary for their growth or learning. There were people who thought these people proposing the canal were lunatics. I know I have proposed ideas along the way that made others believe I was crazy. But when you think about what the canal did for our country and the commerce of the east, we realize how important it is to have these crazy people who are willing to fail. The construction of the Erie Canal had a transformative and positive impact on both local communities and the nation as a whole.
The construction of the Erie Canal had numerous positive effects on both local and national levels. Firstly, the canal revolutionized transportation and trade by providing a direct and efficient route for goods to be transported between the Great Lakes and the Atlantic Ocean. This significantly reduced shipping costs and time, boosting economic activity and facilitating the growth of cities along its route. Additionally, the canal opened up new opportunities for settlement and development in the Midwest, as it allowed for easier access to previously isolated areas. It also played a crucial role in fostering cultural exchange and communication, as people from various regions came together and shared ideas and experiences. Furthermore, the Erie Canal became a model for infrastructure projects in the United States, inspiring the construction of other canals and railroads, ultimately contributing to the nation’s overall progress and industrialization.
So let’s not forget trying to find a sweet spot between success and failure that can contribute to the overall progress or development of those things we are passionate about and move us toward fulfilling our purpose.
Do Not Be Jealous Of Your Competitors
As a result of my exploring the original Erie Canal and the Erie Canal Museum in Syracuse, New York last month, I am reading the great book Bond of Union: Building The Erie Canal and the American Empire by Gerard Koeppel. Koeppel quoted Theodore Roosevelt as saying, “He was too jealous of all of his competitors” of DeWitt Clinton. Clinton played a role in making the Erie Canal a reality. Clinton was a major political figure in New York and served as Governor from 1817 to 1822 and from 1825 to 1828, and presided over the construction of the Erie Canal. He was never able to secure his ultimate goal of being President of the United States. I found Roosevelt’s description of Clinton’s fault of being too jealous of his competitors and interesting one, and one we should be aware of. An excessive and unhealthy fixation on what our competitors are doing can be detrimental to our own lives and businesses because it distracts us from focusing on our own strengths and unique value propositions.
“As a bond of union between the Atlantic and Western states… it will create the greatest inland trade ever witnessed.” ~ DeWitt Clinton
When we are too jealous of our competitors, we may constantly compare ourself to them, feel threatened by their successes, and try to imitate their strategies without considering if they are suitable for our own context. This can lead to a lack of authenticity and differentiation, which ultimately hampers our ability to stand out in the market.
Instead of being excessively jealous of our competitors, it’s important to maintain a healthy level of awareness and observation. Stay informed about social and industry trends and what our competitors are doing, but use this information as inspiration to improve our own messaging, products, services, and strategies.
We need to be focused on our own strengths, unique selling points, and needs of those we serve. By emphasizing our own value proposition and continuously innovating and adapting, we can establish a strong position in the market and attract customers based on the merits of our own offerings.
Curiosity
Professor Smets told us in my University of Oxford Saïd Business School class this week that “You can’t hate something if you are curious about it.” This statement is important because it highlights the role of curiosity in promoting understanding, learning, and compassion. When we approach something with curiosity, we open ourselves up to learning and gaining new insights. This helps us see beyond initial judgments or prejudices and allows us to understand different perspectives. By being curious, we challenge our preconceived notions and create opportunities for growth and empathy. Ultimately, this statement suggests that hate is often rooted in ignorance or misunderstanding, and curiosity can be a powerful antidote to hate.
When we are genuinely curious about someone or something, we seek to understand rather than judge. We ask questions, listen actively, and try to put ourselves in their shoes. This not only promotes understanding but also fosters a sense of connection and empathy. Businesses that foster a curious mindset are more likely to attract and retain top talent. Curious individuals are naturally driven to seek out new challenges and opportunities for growth, and they thrive in environments that support their curiosity. Curiosity also fosters a culture of learning and continuous improvement. It encourages employees to seek out new knowledge and stay updated on industry trends, which can lead to the development of new skills and the ability to adapt to changing market conditions.
As leaders, we should encourage curiosity because it fuels innovation and drives growth. When employees are encouraged to ask questions, explore new ideas, and challenge the status quo, they are more likely to come up with creative solutions to problems.
Adversity Can Sharpen Us
Yesterday, I heard Purdue University’s head football coach, Ryan Walters, in an interview prior to the Michigan game react to the adversity surrounding the allegations of Michigan’s signal stealing. This post is not about those allegations or any of the drama surrounding that. It is about his comment and what we can take away from it. Coach Walters said that he told his team to, “Let the adversity sharpen you.” I loved this comment because we all face adversity at some point or another. This idea of letting it sharpen us is one we should take to heart.
The phrase “Let the adversity sharpen you” means that when faced with or difficult situations, you should use them as opportunities to grow and become stronger. Walters even discussed letting it sharpen the team’s focus. Instead of letting adversity defeat us, we should let it shape us into a better version of ourself. It implies that adversities can be seen as stepping stones for personal growth and development.
Value Added Education
Yesterday during a workshop I was doing at the National FFA Convention the superintendent, John Niehues of a Kansas school district made the comment that what he was trying to create at USD 200 Greeley County Schools and what we were doing in agriculture education and FFA was “value-added education.” This is so true! It was so great to have him in this session where I was working with teachers to help them develop relationships and learn how to best work with their administrators. His insights were invaluable to all, including myself, in attendance. I love that we have so many administrators attending convention. Value-added education refers to an approach in which the education system focuses not only on providing knowledge and skills but also on adding value to students’ overall growth and development.
Value-added education goes beyond traditional academic subjects and aims to cultivate a range of qualities in students, such as critical thinking, problem-solving skills, creativity, empathy, communication skills, and a sense of responsibility. It emphasizes holistic learning and aims to prepare students for real-world challenges and success in various aspects of life.
In value-added education, the focus is on developing well-rounded individuals who are not only academically competent but also possess essential life skills and values. This approach recognizes that education is not just about acquiring information but also about fostering personal, social, and emotional development. It’s about applying what is learned. That is why work-based learning and apprenticeships are so important. In our agriculture programs we use Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) For All to give students the opportunity to explore passions and career interests. SAE For All is broken into two components:
1. Foundational SAE: career exploration and planning, employability skills, personal finance management, workplace safety, and agricultural literacy.
2. Immersion SAE: this is where students gain real-world, hands-on experience within their chosen career path. Students will enhance their agriculture industry knowledge, gain financial independence and management skills, and determine whether the career choice aligns with their interests and abilities. They do this in either placement/internship, entrepreneurship, research, school-based enterprise, or service learning.
Value-added education encourages active learning, student engagement, and the application of knowledge in practical settings. It promotes lifelong learning, self-reflection, and continuous improvement. By providing opportunities for students to explore their interests, develop their talents, and engage in real-world experiences, value-added education aims to prepare individuals for future success and contribute positively to society.
Showing Before Explaining
Yesterday, while reading further in God In The Dock by C. S. Lewis, he said, “You must show that a man is wrong before you can explain why a man is wrong.” This really seems so basic, but as Lewis points out, we are very quick to jump to an explanation of why something is wrong, or why someone’s view is wrong without considering the most basic question of whether the person’s claim is right or wrong. This really takes me back to thinking about judging the idea, claim, or hypothesis and not the person.
Lewis argued that it is important to first establish that someone’s belief or argument is flawed or incorrect before attempting to provide an explanation or evidence as to why it is wrong. This could be seen as a way to approach discussions or debates in a logical and persuasive manner. It seems counterintuitive, but think of how many times we’ve done just that. So next time you find yourself ready to explain why someone is wrong, first consider if we can really show the claim to be wrong. There really is, as Lewis pointed out, a difference.
Targeted Universal
I’m contemplating the concept of “targeted universal approach” today. This concept refers to an approach that aims to provide services or benefits to a specific group of people while still being accessible to a broader population. It combines the targeted approach, which focuses on addressing the needs of specific individuals or groups, with the universal approach, which aims to provide benefits to everyone. A targeted universal approach in education can be favorable for several reasons. First, it allows for a highly personalized learning experience for students. By understanding the specific needs and preferences of each student, educators can provide tailored instruction and support that caters to their individual learning styles and abilities.
A targeted universal approach additionally helps address educational inequalities and bridge achievement gaps. It ensures that all students have access to high-quality education and resources, regardless of their background or circumstances. This can ultimately lead to improved academic outcomes and opportunities for all students, promoting equity in education. In practical terms, using a targeted universal approach means designing programs or initiatives that target a specific group based on certain criteria, such as income level or geographic location, while ensuring that the benefits are available to a wider range of people who may also benefit from them.
To apply the concept of “targeted universal,” we must identify the specific group or audience being addressed. This could be based on factors like demographics, needs, or location. In education, a targeted universal approach can promote inclusivity and diversity in the classroom. By valuing and accommodating the unique strengths and challenges of each student, it fosters an environment where every individual feels valued, respected, and supported. Then we can design programs or interventions that specifically target their needs while also ensuring that others who may benefit from the initiatives can also access them.
It’s important to keep in mind that the success of a targeted universal approach relies on careful planning, research, and implementation to ensure that the intended outcomes are achieved. A targeted universal approach in education recognizes the importance of individual differences and seeks to address them through personalized support and inclusive practices. It can contribute to enhanced learning experiences, improved educational outcomes, and a more equitable and inclusive education system. Additionally, ongoing evaluation and feedback from the targeted group and other stakeholders can help refine and improve the approach over time.
Leadership Concierge
Like a concierge who helps guests navigate their stay and make the most of their experience, leaders often assist their team members in navigating challenges, achieving goals, and maximizing their potential. In the learning module for my University of Oxford Saïd Business School course this week I heard from Richard Macklin, Global Vice Chair of Dentons (the world’s largest law firm), that he compares leaders as coaches to hotel concierges in the sense that both roles involve providing guidance, assistance, and support to those they serve. As a leader, we can act more like a concierge by being attentive to our team’s needs and actively supporting them in an active coaching role in achieving their goals. Here are some ways to do so:
1. Actively listening: Just like a concierge anticipates guests’ needs by listening, as a leader, you can proactively identify the needs of your team members. This could involve regularly checking in with them, listening to their concerns, and addressing any challenges they may be facing.
2. Fostering a learning organization: A concierge strives to create a welcoming and enjoyable experience for guests. Similarly, as a leader, you can foster a positive work environment by encouraging open communication, promoting teamwork, recognizing achievements, and creating a culture of trust and respect.
3. Trusted advisor: A concierge listens to understand. A key aspect of being a concierge is being readily available to assist guests. As a leader, you can adopt a similar approach by being accessible to your team members. Encourage an open-door policy, actively listen to their concerns, and be approachable for guidance or advice.
4. Personalize support: Just as a concierge tailors their services to meet individual guest preferences, you can personalize your support for each team member. Take the time to understand their strengths, weaknesses, and goals, and provide tailored guidance and feedback to help them grow and excel in their roles.
5. Develop a teaming ethos: Similar to a concierge providing information or recommendations, you can provide your team with the necessary resources, tools, and support they need to perform their tasks effectively. This could include training programs, mentorship opportunities, or access to relevant information or technology. This also includes diversity and inclusion including cognitive diversity.
After hearing this I want to adopt more concierge-like qualities to hopefully enhance my leadership skills and create a supportive and empowering environment for those I serve. How about you? You want to become a leadership concierge?
Secondments
In my University of Oxford Saïd Business School course I am taking right now the topic of “secondments” came up. I learned that a secondment is a temporary assignment or transfer of an employee to another department, organization, or location. The context it was brought up in my Oxford course was using secondments as a way to deepen relationships, finding ways to provide more help, and as a source of personal development. Typically, secondments involve an employee working in a different role or project for a specified period of time.
Most importantly, secondments can deepen relationships by providing employees with the opportunity to work closely with new colleagues, gain new skills and knowledge, and develop a broader understanding of the organization as a whole. It allows employees to build connections, foster collaboration, and strengthen relationships with individuals and teams they may not have otherwise interacted with. Additionally, secondments often involve working in different environments, which can lead to increased adaptability and a broader perspective on different work cultures and practices.
As a professional services provider, I did a little more research on secondments and found I could use these with clients in a few different ways:
- Knowledge transfer: I could second myself, and do in some cases, to the client’s organization. This allows for the transfer of specialized knowledge and skills, helping the client improve their capabilities and resolve specific challenges.
- Capacity building: Secondments can also be used to build capacity within the client’s organization. This gives me opportunity to provide additional support, guidance, and training. A good example of this is the mentoring of teachers I am doing for schools.
- Project management: If the client has a complex project that requires specialized expertise or additional resources, secondments can be used to provide project management support.
- Change management: Secondments can play a crucial role in change management initiatives.
- Relationship building: Secondments can strengthen the relationship between a consultancy and the client’s organization. By working closely together, both parties gain a deeper understanding of each other’s strengths, challenges, and working styles. This can further enhance collaboration and lead to long-term partnerships.
It has been interesting to learn from my colleagues in the course how many of them have formal secondment programs set up within their firms. This is a great cross-functional training, capacity building, and relationship building development tool.
Teaching Learning Ability
Yesterday in our National Association of State Boards of Education Annual Conference opening session, my friend, Dr. Linda Darling-Hammond made the comment that we need to teach our students learning ability. This enablement of learning is important to Linda and I and we even coauthored an article on opportunity to learn. Click here to read it. I spent some time this morning thinking on teaching learning ability. Teaching our kids learning ability means providing them with the skills and tools to become effective learners. This includes teaching them how to think critically, problem solve, and communicate effectively. It also involves fostering a growth mindset, where they understand that intelligence and abilities can be developed through hard work and effort. Additionally, teaching learning ability involves promoting curiosity, creativity, and a love for learning.
I definitely believe we can teach love for learning. Encouraging a love for learning starts from an early age by creating a positive and engaging learning environment. Providing interesting and relevant content, incorporating hands-on activities, and giving students the opportunity to explore their own interests can help foster a love for learning. Additionally, praising effort and celebrating achievements can also help motivate learners and make the learning experience enjoyable. It’s important to create a supportive and encouraging atmosphere where students feel empowered and excited about learning.
Byron's Babbles 
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