Moving From Average to Extra-Ordinary

The definition of discipline is “an exercise that develops or improves a skill or habit.” It is the missing ingredient in building the personal and organizational “muscle(s)” that leads to exceptional performance.

Most of us who recognize the value in building those muscles are sometimes reluctant to make the effort, either because we don’t want to work that hard or because we just do not know how to break away from the old habits that keep us chained to being “average”.

If you fall into the latter category, then this article will give you the recipe for becoming more self-disciplined, personally, and organizationally. If you fall into the “it is too hard” category, then you will still know how to do it; and, maybe someday you will also decide you want to achieve more of your potential.

There are five disciplines that lead organizations to stellar performance.

1. Personal Mastery, sometimes called self-awareness.

We all consistently perform in our currently dominant self-image. Relying on will power alone to build or improve current skill sets is sometimes ineffective in creating long-term change.

  • Changing self-image, whether personal or organizational, begins with recognizing strengths (character and skills) and motives (purpose).
  • Reframe your identity (self-image) to see ourselves as capable of activating version 2.X of your personal or organizational identity.

  1. Mental Models. These mental models are often referred to as “beliefs”; and they are the foundation of the human equivalent of an “operating system”. They trigger behavior and habit formation. What prevents personal disempowerment is a truth testing serum that separates facts from opinions. Be courageous in truth testing your personal belief system. Whatever you believe is truth for you.
  2. Shared Vision. Most people want an inspirational vision. You need autonomy in how that vision is implemented and feedback systems that allow people to judge their progress.
  3. Team Learning. Teams come in three styles and sizes: Interdependent Teams – where the outcome can only be achieved by having people work closely with each other; Independent Teams – where success occurs based on individual performance; and Ad Hoc Teams – where individuals with specific skill sets are brought together to solve a particular problem or challenge and disband once the objective is accomplished. The primary requirement is always Trust.
  4.  Systems Thinking. There are three characteristics of systems thinking which include: A consistent and strong commitment to learning; a willingness to challenge your own mental model – accepting your own role in problems; and being open to different ways of seeing and doing.

Using these five disciplines can give you the courage to move forward and become the powerhouse you have always envisioned.

Contact Us and we can help you with insights, and other resources, and see if it makes sense to work together. At the very least, in 30 minutes, you may get some ideas you can apply to your business right away.

The article was originally published on the Digitaldealer.com website: Achieving Personal Organizational Discipline Moving From Average to Extra-Ordinary



Owner Motivation and Perspective

An owner’s perspective and attitude towards the business, employees and the community shapes the culture of the organization, attitudes of employees and customers.

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We can help you with insights, other resources, and see if it makes sense to work together. At the very least, in 30 minutes, you may get some ideas you can apply to your business right away.