WK2 Reading - Contributing, Listening, and Remaining Calm

While skimming chapters 4-6, I decided to write about the material as it may relate to current events. For chapter 4, I'd like to bring up this guy:



Kevin Costner is an actor. He also loves the environment. Even though, as a successful actor, he could have written off disasters like the Exxon Valdez oil spill that happened years ago. But, instead, he decided to use his time and effort to try and prevent a disaster like that happening again. So, even though he was assured by oil companies that spills like that would never happen again, he still used his own resources and ingenuity to create and test machines that would suck up water and separate it from its pollutants. He is a really good real world example of making a contribution, and making a contribution like this speaks volumes if it's done selflessly and with a purpose and against the grain.

This brings us to the next chapter. Keeping with this same theme, I'd like to talk about proper management and leadership. Like the book says, leaders cooperate and they listen to others. Just because you're not in the head spot doesn't mean you don't have input or your input isn't vital. In terms of project management, there are going to be the people with one singular goal in their head, to get the job done. This sounds good in theory, but what about the ifs? Negativity and criticism is part of the planning process. Contingencies have to be thought through at every possible turn no matter what the time line for project completion is. A good leader listens to everyone involved with the production process ESPECIALLY the risk assessors. It could prevent something like this:



Finally, you have to look at the big picture. Not realizing the true scope and importance of your projects can either make you perpetually dissatisfied with your progress or success. This is basically fear of failure almost. An overgrown drive for success has in effect become or becomes driven by a huge fear of failure. Take out the fear and the threat of losing and you either have more fun doing what you're doing, or slow down long enough to make sure you're doing it right. I know it is very hard to tie this chapter to the same theme, so I'll just say this. Instead of freaking out, keep a cool head long enough to find the solution.