Amongst Chaos, Take a Breath

These unprecedented times which accurately can be labeled chaotic reinforce a basic tenet of smart business, smart living and smart lives.

Take a breath.

The onslaught of issues and imagery seem to demand an immediate, off-the-cuff and off-the-shelf reaction.   In truth, what they demand is an action - one that is borne out of thoughtfulness and inquiry.

This is true in normal times as well.   Think of how popular culture emphasizes the importance of "turn on a dime" thinking.  Certainly the culture of many corporations is that the quickest answer is the best answer (not true).   Reality shows, such as "Top Chef" and "Project Runway" and, yes, even "The Great British Baking Show," add rather severe timing elements to the tasks at hand so that the net result is not a winner who is ultimately the best, but one who can beat the clock and still come out ahead.

While I am a strong believer in timing as an ally - it goes both ways.   Some of the biggest mistakes that I have made have been borne out of a belief that I needed to react more quickly than was necessary.   In that reaction, I did not provide myself time to gather the necessary information, seek the required counsel, ask the right questions and, perhaps most importantly, center myself for the task at hand.

Both in "normal" times (are there really any "normal" times?) and these extreme times - to be at our best we must act, but we must act with intelligence, both moral and emotional.

Take a breath.  Inquire.   Contemplate.   Center.

Then move on.

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My book "Courageous Questions, Confident Leaders" is available on Amazon Kindle.

Of "Niceness" and Cake Plates

Millions enjoy the pleasures of watching "The Great British Baking Show."    Cakes and "Bread Week" and biscuits and technical challenges - it's relaxing entertainment and hence, it is great television.

Let me point to the obvious, because it's worth noting (especially in this age).

This is one reality show (and a competition reality show, no less) in which everyone is really nice to each other.   The hosts are sympathetic and help the contestants, the contestants are more focused on their own successes (or lack thereof) than on their peer's failures.    Even the judges, facing the most catastrophic of creations find something nice to say ("But, it has a really great flavor. . .")

Is this why we like "The Great British Baking Show" so much?  Proof that people can create and compete and be not only civil to each other, but build bonds and friendship?  I think in recent decades we've ignored "nice."   We've downgraded it to a middling compliment.  And in recent years, let's face it, there are popular forces that decree that "nice" does not make for watchable television or, for that matter, electable politicians.

In its own way, "The Great British Baking Show" demonstrates the power of "niceness" and elevates it  to "greatness."

And there's one more thing. . .that prize.    When most reality shows are upping the ante ("You're competing for ONE MILLION DOLLARS!!!" - and then the contestants jump up and down with excitement!). . .what's the big prize on "The Great British Baking Show?"

A cakeplate.

And the recognition and the satisfaction of a job well-done.

Let's just let that sink in.

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My book "Courageous Questions, Confident Leaders" is available on Amazon Kindle.