Fresh Perspectives

Getting it Right

I just finished the book "The Checklist Manifesto: How to Get Things Right" by Dr. Atul Gawande.  Dr. Gawande outlines the fact that although our base of knowledge is expanding, our abilities to make that knowledge actionable is not keeping pace.  His main emphasis is the field of surgery, but he delves into other areas such as finance, aviation and construction.

Checklists make sense, yet people sometimes have an aversion to using them.  Dr. Gawande shows us how the act of making a simple checklist can further communication and effectiveness, and he offers plenty of examples from many disciplines.  His book is a reminder that even the most intelligent of us can have a lapse in our thought process, and the checklist is a simple tool to keep our minds on task.  He also emphasizes how checklists can further collaboration and team effectiveness when used right. 

One aspect alluded to in the book is the idea of ego.  The book is a reminder that collaboration and teamwork require that everyone on the team have their ego in check.  To me, out of control ego is one of the biggest hindrances to positive change.  One short saying keeps rattling in my brain; "It is amazing how much can be accomplished when nobody cares who gets the credit".

This book is a must-read!

Story Musgrave

The video below is compelling!  Story Musgrave was the astronaut who led the team charged with fixing the Hubble telescope several years back.  Although the main focus of the video is teamwork, it is compelling for other reasons.  To me, it shows that an astronaut, who one would assume would be an analytical person, can be creative.  Dr. Musgrave has advanced degrees in both arts and sciences.  Plus his presentation style is wonderful.  Worth watching:

Story Musgrave and the Hubbel - Click here for the most popular videos

Power

Great Article on Psychology Today Website.  This article has particular significance to me now as I'm going through a transitional time. 

"Authentic power wells up from within, and it seldom appears full-blown early in life. Rather, it is an outcome of our ability to integrate our experiences in such a way that even adversity is ultimately incorporated into the process of growth. Authentic power is gained through vigorous participation in life, coupled with an openness to new experiences, emotional sure-footedness, strong ties to other people, the ability to find interest and pleasure in whatever we encounter and, most of all, the ability to construct meaning in our lives."

Climate Change

An article in todays new York Times talks about the Kyoto Protocol which is aimed at curbing carbon emissions world-wide.  The US is poised to be a central figure in new efforts to combat global warming.  This time around, financial mechanisms will be stressed, and developing countries like China won't get a pass. 

We live in difficult times, and the challenges are enormous.  This is worth reading!

The Pickens Plan

The Pickens Plan is about the United States dramatically reducing its dependence on foreign oil. It is a common sense energy plan.

Now, Pickens has some vital support from people like Bill Clinton and Al Gore. Check out this video.