Wk 3 Blog Post #1- Art of Possibility Chapters 5–8

Chapter5

Zander was going to conduct a world-class violinist in Israel that night at a sold-out concert.  That morning, he exhorted his students for whom he saved 30 seats to attend this performance.  That night, on the podium, he saw that up in the balcony all 30 seats had remained vacant.  He was blisteringly angry and bitter.

The next morning, he called his wife and declared how angry he was.  His wife’s first response was “You better apologize.”  Zander replied, “Better apologize?  For what?  Did you not understand that these 30 kids stood me up?  For a concert that has been sold out for months now!”  His wife explained, “You did not inspire them enough to come to a concert to hear a world-class violinist that they will probably never again get a chance to hear that could literally have changed their DNA.”  Zander humbly acknowledged his failings as a leader.

How often do we fail to inspire others to greatness?  How often do we expect someone to see our vision when we never captivate their imagination?

Chapter 6 “Rule #6”

Zander recounted a story that I had heard before but had forgotten about.  I have also repeated this story about 50 times since I heard it.  A visiting prime minister to a foreign land met the local prime minister at the state house for dinner.

Shortly after the visiting prime minister arrived, a man runs into the scene, screaming, “I have burned the dinner for tonight!  What should we do?”  The local prime minister turns to the man and declares, “Remember rule #6.”  The man quiets down, dutifully bows, turns around and exits the room calmly.

Ten minutes later a woman runs into the room, screaming, “I have lost the documents!  What should we do?”  The local prime minister turns to the woman and declares, “Remember rule #6.”  The woman quiets down, dutifully bows, turns around and exits the room calmly.

Fifteen minutes later another woman enters the chambers, screaming, “I have ruined the garden!  What should we do?”  The local prime minister turns to the woman and declares, “Remember rule #6.”  The woman quiets down, dutifully bows, turns around and exits the room calmly.

At this point, the visiting prime minister turns quizzically to the local prime minister and asks, “Ok, I have now observed three people come into this room frantic and dismayed only to exit the room with utmost calm when you remind them of rule #6.  What is rule #6, I have to ask?”

The local prime minister explains, “Rule #6 is not to take yourself so damn seriously.”  The visiting prime minister then inquires, “What are the first 5 rules?”  The local prime minister retorts, “There are no other rules.”

Chapter 7

We are surrounded by energy. We have an abundant and full life. Now what do you really like to do? There are two steps to this practice: 1. Notice where you are holding back, and let go. Release those barriers of self that keep you separate and in control and let that vital energy of passion surge through you, connecting you to everything beyond. 2. Participate wholly. Allow yourself to be a channel to shape the steam of passion into a new expression for the world. When you listen to music let it be a part of you… feel the notes as they carry you away into the experience of the composer as he wrote. Take a walk on the beach or kayak on the water. Feel the power of the ocean as you venture forth. Remember these forces as you move into and through your day. It will fill you with energy and awe at our world and what we can accomplish. Remember the "One Buttock Pianist" and move into the music. The question for learning is, "Where is the electric socket for possibility, the access to the energy of transformation?" Dare to let go of the edges of ourselves and PARTICIPATE!!!!

Chapter 8

Certain things in life are better done in person. When you are trying to sell someone on an idea of yours or you want them to perform, you must make every effort to meet with them face to face. This type of commitment to your idea will demonstrate your passion for the project. In the face-to-face communication you, and only you, will create the same passion in the person that you are seeking to help you resolve your issue. You are "enrolling" the person, generating a spark of possibility for others to share. As they share with others you soon will create the fire to fuel your passion. To practice enrollment you must: Imagine that people are an invitation for enrolment; Stand ready to participate, willing to be moved and inspired; Offer that which lights you up; and, Have no doubt that others are eager to catch the spark. The life force for humankind is, perhaps, nothing more or less than the passionate energy to connect, express, and communicate. Enrollment is that life force at work, lighting sparks from person to person, scattering light in all directions. Sometimes the sparks ignite a blaze, sometimes they pass quietly, magically, almost imperceptibly, from one to another to another.

Sources

Zander, B. & Zander R. (2000). The Art of Possibility: Transforming Professional and Personal Life. Boston: Harvard Business School Press.