My thoughts on greatness

GREAT

?As a lifelong fan of Muhammad Ali who is “The Greatest”, I have always had a connection to the word great. That connection is even stronger today because I continue to understand the impact of “great.” This powerful word unlocks and describes a lifelong journey of becoming an improved version of yourself, of putting your oxygen mask on first, of getting clear on your purpose, of listening to others, of caring for others, of connecting with your community, of leaving a legacy — there’s no end to the pursuit of greatness. Additionally, great has space for everyone. Anyone and everyone can be great.

These past two years especially have taught me that there’s a direct connection between “great” and well-being. Here are few of the “aha!” thoughts I’ve had as I reflected on what it means to be great.?

??GREAT MEANS EMBRACING “AND”

?Emotional, spiritual, and physical intelligence is the ability to hold two opposing ideas at the same time. This is challenging to do and a challenge we all share. Too often, we are quick to think of the world in binary terms, but that’s a computer’s job.?

The reality is that we need to hold the joyful parts of our lives AND the painful parts with equal weight. The more we embrace “and”, the more we can empathize and be moved to change.

??GREAT MEANS CHANGE

?Life is really hard without hope. Not everyone can experience hope. Not everyone can feel hopeful. But I remain hopeful that those of us that can, will empathetically engage with those that cannot. This requires action.?

Expressing curiosity is action. Listening is action. Caring is action. Providing feedback is action. Embracing feedback is action.?

To engage with empathy requires change. It means not always or only trying to change the other person, but rather having the courage and willingness to change ourselves. That’s how we become great.?

??GREAT MEANS FOR ALL

?When teaching a classroom full of students, the teacher often spends more time focused on the struggling student than the students who don’t appear to be struggling. Leaders and managers often do the same thing. This is a sub-optimal allocation of resources in both cases.?

Why does this happen? Do we really know who is struggling and who isn’t? What data do we use other than our intuition or another person’s ability to gain our attention through their actions?

Oftentimes our programs have a “If you are struggling, call this number” appeal to them. Here is the problem — that puts more work on a person who is struggling. What happens when a person doesn’t know they’re struggling? What happens if that person is the highest performer in your company (or in the world) and can hide their struggle to most?

??BECOME GREAT

?At our recent Great Place To Work For All Summit,?I hosted a panel ?with 23-time Olympic Gold medalist Michael Phelps, CEO of Accenture Julie Sweet , and Accenture’s Chief Leadership & Human Resources Officer, Ellyn Shook .?

You can watch the video?here . I guarantee you will learn in the first minute what you need to do right now regarding your well-being in 2023. Then fasten your seat belt for the rest of the ride.?

Michael Phelps' story will adjust your view of mental health forever. It did for me and I know this will be good for you, your family, your company, and your community.?

I thank each of these people for this holiday gift for all.?

Wishing you Great holidays and a happy new year.