The 90/10 Leadership Development Principle-Again

I wrote the following post some time ago, but I think it bears re-posting today:

So many principles, so little time:).  Seriously, I want to tackle
the 90/10 principle (10% is the unexpected good or bad, 90% is what you
choose) in relation to our life and career.

For many years I was told by mentors and colleagues that the 90/10
rule was important.  In the early years, I didn't want to have the
responsibility for 90% of my life.  It seemed so permanent to face the
consequences of my choices.  And I certainly didn't like the idea of
the 10%.  Who wants to be at the mercy of the unexpected? 

It was about 10 years ago that I really became conscious of the
principle.  So much so that it now is a part of my culture.  I use the
term conscious because unconscious living leads to incongruent values
(I say exercise is important, but I never do it) or plain old
hypocrisy.  No judgment here, but you need to be awake.

Here's why you need to embrace the 90/10 rule:

  • You must embrace, because the 90/10 rule embraces you.  Like it or not.
  • When you embrace, your leadership quality goes way up.  All of sudden you think before you act.
  • You must tame the beast inside.  Call it misplaced ambition,
    preoccupation with the opinions of others or greed.  When you realize
    that 90% of life is what you choose, you'll think twice about walking
    all over your co-workers.
  • You'll begin to think about your foundation.  Is it sand or stone?  When the unexpected comes what will keep you anchored?
  • Embracing the rule will simplify things.  It won't make life easy,
    but it will make you decide what's most important in career and life.
  • You'll make the breakthrough to realizing that no one/organization
    can make you happy.  Happiness is a choice (there's that 90% again) and
    only you can make this one.
  • You'll stop being afraid of your destiny and get on with the mission.
  • The Oscar for best motion picture should be your life.

Don't awaken to an accidental career or life.

2 Comments

  1. Eric, this reminds me of an exercise I do regularly..I call it the “waiting room”
    Before I speak to issues that are deeply important to me..I step into my waiting room and ask three questions:
    How important is this to me (values)
    How do I feel, therfore..
    How will I connect

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