In the latest HCI Webinar, Dr. Jonathan H. Westover talks with Ted Bradshaw about his book, Stop Chasing Squirrels: Six Essentials to Find Your Purpose, Focus, and Flow. Below is a summary of the main points from their conversation! Check out the full episode and let us know what you think!
Watch the episode here:
Quick Recap
In this discussion, Jonathan and Ted discussed the importance of leadership development, human capital, and finding purpose in the modern workplace. They explored the challenges of aligning personal goals with external expectations, staying focused on one's mission, and developing essential skills like focus and flow. The conversation also touched on the concept of "guardrails" for maintaining balance and direction in life, emphasizing the importance of living in the present moment and cultivating meaningful connections for personal and professional success.
Leadership Development and Human Capital
Jonathan and Ted discussed the importance of leadership development and human capital in the modern workplace. Ted, an expert in leadership teams and development, highlighted the significance of developing people as a key competitive advantage. Jonathan, the host, expressed his excitement about the conversation and shared his admiration for Ted's location in Banff, Canada. They also discussed Ted's book, "Stop Chasing Squirrels," which focuses on finding purpose, focus, and flow. The conversation aimed to provide practical, actionable ideas for middle management and above to maximize their organizational potential.
Challenges of Success and Fulfillment
In the meeting, Ted and Jonathan discussed the journey of success and the challenges that come with it. Ted shared his motivation for writing a book about his experiences, which was therapeutic and aimed to help others who felt the same way. He noted that many successful people feel unfulfilled despite achieving their goals. Jonathan agreed, suggesting that this could be a driving factor behind midlife crises. They both acknowledged that success is not always linear and that societal expectations can sometimes lead to feelings of emptiness.
Aligning Inner Self With Expectations
Jonathan and Ted discussed the challenges of aligning one's inner self with external expectations and experiences. They highlighted the difficulty of shedding external expectations and finding one's purpose, especially when these expectations are deeply ingrained from childhood. They also touched on the concept of cognitive dissonance, where individuals struggle to reconcile their expectations with the reality of their lives. The conversation concluded with the observation that people often focus on the negative aspects of their lives, even when 80% of their experiences are positive.
Staying Focused on Purpose and Vision
Jonathan and Ted discussed the concept of "stop chasing squirrels" as a metaphor for staying focused on one's purpose and avoiding distractions. Ted shared the origin of the phrase from his son's behavior when playing soccer, and how it can be applied to leaders and managers who get easily distracted from their mission. They also discussed the importance of visionary leadership, but noted that it needs to be balanced with a measured approach to avoid burnout. Jonathan suggested that there's value in living in the moment like a child, but acknowledged the challenges of doing so in a chaotic world. The conversation concluded with a discussion on how to align with one's purpose and the role of focus and flow in achieving this.
Focus and Flow for Success
Ted and Jonathan discussed the importance of focus and flow in achieving personal and professional goals. Ted emphasized that having a sense of purpose is not enough, as life will inevitably throw obstacles in one's path. He introduced the concept of "guardrails" or the 6 essentials of mind, body, soul, nutrition, money, and relationships, which help guide individuals towards their purpose. Jonathan agreed, noting that visionary leaders often lack these guardrails, leading to a lack of focus and direction. Both agreed that focus is a skill that can be developed and is crucial for success, regardless of age or circumstances.
The Power of Focus in Life
Ted and Jonathan discussed the importance of focus in personal and professional life. They highlighted how dwelling on the past or worrying about the future can distract from the present moment and hinder relationships and personal growth. Ted emphasized that focus is a skill that can be learned and is crucial for creating meaningful connections and achieving success. Jonathan agreed, noting that even small, fleeting moments can significantly impact relationships and innovation. Ted concluded by encouraging the audience to connect with him for further discussions and workshops on leadership and management.
Listen to the webinar here:
