I read a great blog posting today from Tony Schwartz on the HBR site around destructive myths that are too often norms with leaders. Here are the highlights and a link to the actual post. I have added links to some studies I have seen that support some of his assertions.
Tip for leaders: This list might make for a good discussion with leadership teams or groups of high potentials. Some seed questions might be:
- Do you agree or disagree?
- How do we see any of these in practice at our organization?
- Which one are you most guilty of?
- Over the next month, which one are you going to focus on personally to make it go away? What is your commitment/plan?
Four Destructive Myths Most Companies Still Live By
1. Multitasking is critical in a world of infinite demand.
- Here is a link to the Stanford study that challenges the assertion that multi-tasking is possible and a more effective way of working. link
2. A little bit of anxiety helps us perform better.
- There is always an A-Ha moment when I review the Birkman Method results, and it is generally around the stress behaviors that result when needs are not met. Anxiety often = Stress, and leading from a point of stress can be very destructive on others / organizations.
3. Creativity is genetically inherited, and it’s impossible to teach.
4. The best way to get more work done is to work longer hours.
- Be careful taking this article into your CEO’s office and demanding a nap room. 🙂 There is some support for resting along the way vs just working long hours. link
Here is a link to the full post on the Harvard Business Review website. Check it out.