Scrum Methodology

Happiness Metrics

Posted by ewok_bbq under Agile Principles

Happiness Metrics were all the rage (no pun intended) in 2012.  While it sounds really ‘squishy’ and non-empirical, I see this metric coming up again and again with customers I am visiting.

One of my favorite thinkers is Shawn Achor of Good Think.  Shawn spent over 10 years traveling the globe studying people and their behaviors.  Here’s what he found:

Success does not make you happy

1. Achieving your goals can simply result in  moving the goal posts
2. If happiness is on the  other side of that goal post – you are delaying your happiness indefinitely.
3. The field research shows Happiness = Successful

You can re-wire your brain in about 21 Days – The Ripple effect will be amazing  (try it on your teams)

1. Do Random Acts of Kindness
2. Journal about positive business interactions
3. Send  unsolicited positive emails to coworkers
4. Do physical Exercise and Meditation

Watch him in his own words here at his TED Talk:

If you are struggling to get started – pick three or four of the 12 listed to the left and start journaling about it.  After three weeks, come back and leave a comment for me on where you’re at.

Comfort Zone

Posted by ewok_bbq under transformation

What can this picture tell us about getting outside of our comfort zone?

 

This picture is of Todd Carmichael.  According to the source of all that is true in this world [wikipedia.org] Todd is the first American to cross the Antarctic to the South Pole unassisted, unaided and solo and is now the world recorded holder in terms of speed by an America. The picture above was taken of him shortly after he finished.  #LikeaBoss his official finishing time is now grained in ink across his bicep.  According to his own video journal the distance was 700 miles.  Why would he do this?  According to the documentary that filmed him he did this to emulate his adventure seeking hero’s of yesteryear.

In reading about Todd, and watching his new TV program I  can only think that this man doesn’t live inside his comfort zone.  Its clear that he’s really pushing the envelope everyday and driving himself to be better.

So as you think about getting going in 2013, take time to think about something really really big.  What will you build? How can you transform yourself? How will you innovate a new solution to delight a customer? What will drive you to be the best you can be?

I love to follow folks like Todd.  Anytime I feel like slacking off or giving up, I just think – what would Todd do?

Interested in learning more about Todd’s trip to the South Pole?  Check out the video previews below from Nat Geo.

Upwards and Onwards…. Go! Fight! Win!