Dwelling in Possibility

I had lunch with an old friend/mentor yesterday. Over the years, I have learned and read and followed advice from him and he directed me, years ago, to a book called "The Art of Possibility." I have often referred clients and friends to this book written by Benjamin and Roz Zander as it provides an account for transitioning from a narrow focus to one of dwelling in the possible. It is a challenge to do this and I often find myself having to remind myself of how we can expect positivity to occur within work and our personal lives.

I am an educational/organizational consultant. The essence of what drives my work, I like to think, is working to help people see that (a) they choose their circumstances and that (b) organizations cannot influence individuals but organizations can influence how the individual perceives themselves and this effects limiting behaviors.

I do think the current economic situation is horrific and educational. While now most people I know are cutting back or cutting off, those that think about possibility remain open to options. I know people, right now, that are working with the hopes of NOT being laid off. This is oppositional behavior to working TO succeed and excel. I see these dichotomies in education and business, real estate and sports. People that see possibility and opportunity are inherently more welcoming to good things happening. Teachers that only see/observe negative student behavior rather than examine WHY this child CHOOSES to behave that way are not open to the possibility that child will change. I caught myself there yesterday...and quickly put myself in check.

So down the road toward a discussion of possibility I go. Thanks, Bob. For the rest of you that may stumble across this, go get Art of Possibility and let me know what you think...