A Pause for Thanks, Then Back to the Work for Which I am Thankful
My home country of Australia does not have a Thanksgiving celebration like America and Canada do. Since living in America over the last 15 years and now becoming a citizen I have enjoyed including this reflective holiday in my life.
As we head toward Thanksgiving, one of the many things I am grateful for is having recently completed a book, Leadership Behavior DNA, Discovering Natural Talents and Managing Differences, with my friend and colleague, Lee Ellis. Lee has been a wonderful mentor on my pioneering journey in the field of human behavior since the very beginning in 2001 when I first launched what is today DNA Behavior starting in Sydney and now with the HQ in Atlanta, GA. I am forever thankful for what Lee has taught me about human behavior but also importantly about leading with courage.
The hard work of our book is done and we’re now in a sweet period during which we wait to see the fruits of our labors emerge from the printing presses and publisher.
More work? Yes, please.
Although it will be a lot of work, I am thankful for the opportunities Lee and I will have in 2020 and beyond, getting out and about “behind” the book. That is, speaking engagements, book events, interviews, trainings that will result from the book, and more.
Importantly, we’re getting to engage with people from all over the world around the work that we love, and around which we have 45 combined years experience. There are a lot of tired tropes about doing what you love for a living, but it really is important.
As I am giving thanks, I would be remiss if I didn’t pause to recall the many leaders with whom both Lee and I have had the privilege of working. (And still do!) Those we’ve advised and those who have advised us. Those who have shared their stories – often “warts and all”. Also, it is important for me to recognize the great support of my DNA Behavior team and my family, but also Lee’s Leading With Honor team and his family.
These collaborations?- which took many forms – have enabled us to learn as we also taught. To refine the metrics and methods we use. To be able to quantify key elements so they best serve users – and do so scalably. Vast amounts of data are behind Leadership Behavior DNA, and behind this data… are those people.
After we’ve eaten too much turkey, cleared the dishes and put away the papier-mache turkey decoration, I’ll continue to be thankful for the work we do, the people who help tackle it every day and for the privilege of being able to share that journey with them – and you – and in a book.
Before you make that turkey-leftovers sandwich
Now, you may not have expected to get a Thanksgiving homework assignment, but I promise it’s fun and for the greater good. Springing forth from the Thanksgiving tradition of everyone saying what they’re thankful for, I want to challenge you to put both a business and leadership twist on that. Answer me this:
What leadership, management or differences lesson are you most thankful for?
It might be wisdom from a parent or early boss. Or a “lesson learned” that you knew never to repeat. Or when something clicked, and you saw things anew. If you’re willing, share your answer (remembrance) here at inquiries@dnabehavior.com
We’d be thankful if you’d check out Hugh Massie and Lee Ellis’s latest collaboration, the soon- to-be released book, Leadership Behavior DNA: Discovering Natural Talents and Managing Differences. Pre-order online at Amazon, Barnes & Noble and other popular retailers. Book-related events and speaking engagements will be announced soon and can be scheduled via inquiries@DNABehavior.com.
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