Saturday, September 25, 2010

MAC Week 4 Reading: Chapters 10-12

I have loved every part of this book, such a simple, joyful, uplifting message delivered in such an engaging fashion. The ultimate tale of The Art of Possibility occurs when we stop the downward spiral that inevitably occurs when we focus upon ourselves. The Zanders bring their message home with the "WE story." As I was reading, I kept thinking the sports mantra "there is no I in team." At first I was a bit distracted by the capitalization of WE throughout the final chapter. In the world of online etiquette, capitals generally mean shouting, but then I realized that maybe WE should be shouting for joy at the possibilities that WE collectively can enjoy. The capitalized "WE" is all inclusive. This proved to be the case as the authors discussed "we," meaning you and I, and referred to the sense of compromise that viewpoint implies.
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3 comments:

  1. thomasdonna98September 26, 2010 at 8:49 AM

    Sharon,

    I must admit that hearing there is no "I" in team used to really, really bother me. This was due to working in environments where others thought there really was one. Reading this book has allowed me to turn the mirror on myself and reevaluate how my light can shine in the workplace. It's not just being the go-to person that matters. It's about the attitude.

    I've even shared excerpts with my ancillary team. I think this can really be used in any work setting to infuse the positive energy that is depleted throughout our daily journeys.

    Thanks so much for sharing your positive insight!

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  2. C Scott LeGereSeptember 26, 2010 at 9:58 AM

    Sharon,

    I too have to admit that I found the "WE" perspective from the Art of Possibility extremely valuable to reflect upon. Not just for myself, but for my students as well.

    One of my favorite quotes that I've used in the classroom almost every semester is an old joke from Roy Rogers which runs along the lines of, "I couldn't last a day without everyone".

    Its true. When we think about it, especially in a developed economy such as ours, our communities are so intertwined with the lives and work of thousands of others. From those at the electric company, to those maintaining our roads, our society is certainly one created, supported, and stabilized through the collective efforts of a "WE" majority.

    Not only is this concept of value, but I've also learned to appreciate a derivative version of "I" as well. Every moment, our bodies, lives, and minds and in motion. We learn, perceive, and react differently with each passing moment as both memory and stimuli shape our conscious environment. When examined from this angle, how much of a concrete identity does a single individual hold in a life that by its nature is dynamic? Thus, I try to remind my students that they are not children anymore, nor do I judge them or harbor ill will from a classroom misstep that might have happened a week ago.

    While I'm not espousing a blind and unaware life path, we should not be held back by our historic choices or place in life, nor should we ignore that our world is one of a collective and much is owed to those who support and nurture us and many can conversely benefit from our reciprocal efforts as well.

    This was indeed a fun book for the semester. Its been great to share it and explore with you and the rest of the class.

    Thanks.

    -Scott

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  3. kingkenny3September 26, 2010 at 9:34 PM

    I like your connection of this week's reading to the mantra you stated above. As the 'WE' is all about teamwork.
    In some cultures there is no reference to 'I' and only "We" when people speak. In addition, Pop Star Madonna has caught on to the use of 'We' in her documentary I Am Because We Are. http://www.hulu.com/i-am-because-we-are

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