This article is a by-product of the new technology that has empowered citizens around the world in the 21st century. From the “Ice Bucket Challenge” to ISIS, the diffusion of global telecommunications has radically changed the world – and it’s far from done. We’re still only learning the initial lessons about the benefits and dangers of such prolific means of connection.
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Last week, two authors released their latest book about the insights that the world has not yet learned about the new era since 2001. Just like Chevy and I, the two authors might seem like the least likely of collaborators. One is 41 pacifist and the other had served in uniform for 41 years. Former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Martin Dempsey first met Ori Brafman following one of Ori’s earlier works about decentralized leadership and the power of chaos. Their latest collaboration, “Radical Inclusion: What the Post-9/11 World Should Have Taught Us About Leadership” is a must-read for leaders operating in this new environment.
Chevy and I were both incredibly fortunate to receive pre-release copies of the book. In this week’s post I don’t want to offer the abridged version of their book. It’s fantastic (and short!) and each of you should add it to your list for this month’s #ABookAMonth challenge. Instead, I want to reflect on what “Radical Inclusion” has to do with mentorship in the military.
Information overload, the ability for even greater scrutiny, and an erosion of trust are symptoms of the digital era and they are pushing people (read: leaders) further away more often than bringing them together.
As I said, this blog is a by-product of the new era of prolific information and digital connections. Chevy and I have sought to use this forum as a way to help others create or sustain connections, but we recognize that we are one of myriad content creators competing for your attention. It’s easy for our blog to just become part of the 21st century’s noise.
From the earliest days, we never wanted to add to the digital addiction. If anything, we have always wanted to be a constant reminder that #OtherPeopleMatter – to close your laptop, get out of your office, and connect in-person with the people on your team. Our slogan has centered on the power of simple dialogue to be a tool for transformational growth.
Just like mentorship, inclusive leadership starts with a connection and must be sustained through interactions. Mentors and inclusive leaders are both aware of their weaknesses and imagining ways to address them or to see themselves through new lenses. Most importantly, in these dialogues, the quality of our listening is far more important than what we say.
In this era of constant competition for your attention, a guide for how to lower the noise volume should be a welcome resource. Once you’ve read “Radical Inclusion”, you will see why Ori and General Dempsey’s lessons are so applicable to the relationships that we are fostering. More importantly, once you’ve applied their lessons, you’ll see that you have more time for others, higher levels of trust, and even greater commitment – to both mentors and to your organization.
Leaders are readers! Join us in the #ABookAMonth challenge! Commit to your own personal growth and share your favorite books with our community.
Start a conversation. Spark a transformation.