I hear lots of people talking about business culture. I hear lots of people talking about the requirement for changes. I hear lots of people complaining about problems.

When I hear people talk of these things, I think about two things. First I think about peoples interests. Are people interested in themselves only or are they interested in another people? And, to what degree are they interested in other people? The next thing I think about is people's ability or inability to make change. Can the person change themselves? What are they doing to bring that about? Can the person influence others to make changes?

I think about people's interests. I think about people's ability to influence self [self-control] and ability to influence others. A picture with four quadrants comes to mind.

I meet many people who, when they are talking about co-workers, describe them as self-centred and entrenched...unable to change...negatively influencing others. It is clear the people who express these views consider themselves to be different. They consider themselves to be much less self-centred and much more capable to accept and bring about change. I suppose this is just another example of how the attribution bias manifests itself on a widespread and frequent basis.

We tend to view others more harshly than we view ourselves.

Perhaps it's our egos working to protect us?

And I wonder - Can self-centred people have a positive influence on others?

About that decision you just made:

• What goal were you trying to achieve? 
• What options did you consider? 
• How do you know this decision is the best option?

Of course, when you believe you are too busy you will not stop to think about these sorts of things...you will just continue to 'do stuff'. 

How's that working out for you?

If it's working out well then that's good news.

If it's not working out well, you can consider a different approach...like asking yourself a short series of questions.

For example: 

• What goal were you trying to achieve? 
• What options did you consider? 
• How do you know this decision is the best option?

Sales and motivation expert Zig Ziglar said, "You can get everything in life you want if you will just help enough other people get what they want."

US President Harry S Truman said, "It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit."

What do you think?

Do you think you must give before you get? 

Do you think success is defined in terms of:

(a) the things you receive?

(b) the credit you receive?

(c) both?

(d) none of the above?

Let's assume both Zig Ziglar and Harry Truman are right. Under that assumption, people will maximize the chance of obtaining everything they want in life by helping others obtain what they want and allowing others to take credit for their achievements. 

Let's assume both Zig Ziglar and Harry Truman are wrong. Under that assumption, people should not make an effort to help others obtain the things they want and people should not be concerned about who gets credit when successes are achieved.

Of course, there is middle ground: people can help others from time to time and allow others to receive credit for their successes from time to time.

What do you think?

How do you want to behave...what are Good Habits and what are Bad Habits?

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Consider your past experiences...

Has anyone ever stolen one of your ideas and presented it to the boss?...how did you feel when that happened?

Has anyone ever helped you achieve something you desired?...how did you feel when that happened?