Do you know people who seem to be “wired” to achieve? Perhaps you are.
It’s an admirable trait. In his book The Yellow Pad, author Robert Rubin uses the term intensity to describe the trait, a trait he epitomizes. He describes his drive, his personal intensity as “a keen focus on succeeding in whatever (he’s) doing.”
Is there another term that encompasses this trait? Maybe
tenacity? Perseverance?
The Yellow Pad – A Very Good
Book
I picked up a copy of Rubin’s The Yellow Pad
at my local library, and have since bought a copy. The book is featured here (sign-in to Goodreads required):
(https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/172581178-the-yellow-pad).
I liked the book but loved this passage;
“We become what we become in
part because of the way that we’re wired. But within that context, we also
become what we become because of our choices, the way we meet challenges, the
traits we cultivate, and the qualities we amplify through our lives.”
Robert Rubin, The Yellow Pad
Remember Grade 4?
Rubin writes about his life, and his career, including
his time as Treasury Secretary for U.S. President Bill Clinton, and his time as
an executive on Wall Street. After he completed a few appearances in national
media during his time in Clinton’s cabinet, he received a letter from his
former Grade 4 teacher Mrs. Collins that caused him to think and then write
about the attributes and traits that made him successful.
His teacher wrote to him and asked “Are you the
Robbie Rubin who was in my Grade 4 class in Florida?” And of course he is, but
of course he has changed because of traits and qualities he cultivated and
amplified. Everyone of us has changed because of our experiences, how we
responded to those experiences, and the traits we’ve chosen to
cultivate. These days it seems a small, but loud number choose to cultivate
traits that create fear and division.
Here are the traits he mentions;
- Intensity – a keen focus on succeeding whatever he’s doing
- Ability to Keep One’s Head, i.e. to remain calm
- An energetic curiosity. He also writes about an eclectic curiosity
- Being true to oneself
- Professional integrity
These are wonderful skills, attributes, and traits
for anyone to develop. It seems to me that today many people are overcommitted
to a volume of engagements, and under committed to succeeding at those that
will have the greatest impact. If someone has too many engagements, it is
difficult to succeed at each. While people will “try,” it can be difficult to succeed
at all commitments.
What Is Essential?
Often during presentations, I display a quote
attributed to Roman Emperor and philosopher Marcus Aurelius.
“Most of what we say and do is
not essential. If you can eliminate it, you’ll have more time, and more
tranquility. Ask yourself at every moment, ‘Is this necessary?’”
You’ll have more time and tranquility. And
accomplish more that has more meaning. I
question the need to ask yourself “at every moment,” but we can ask ourselves frequently.
Developing This Trait
Here are some tips and a point of view on
developing the trait of achievement orientation from www.indeed.com
In summary,
- Focus on how to structure your team
- Communicate clearly about your goals
- Respect your employees
- Engage in personal interactions
- Take the time to follow up
- Reward good work
A link to the full article https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/achievement-oriented-leadership
My POV On Keeping a Team Focused
on Achievement
For further ideas, particularly on communicating
goals and progress, I wrote an e-book related to this topic https://a.co/d/7DfDnez
