The Element of Lost Brilliance

It is an old idea. Over time, the qualities of an organization wane, become unhealthy and ineffective. Why?

Because company leaders didn't duplicate or systemize the very things they do that made their companies great. And this systemized forgetting is clearly reflected in the deterioration and finally the demise of any organization, which forgets the importance of duplicating their 'WINNING' processes.

The suggestion here is that such an organization had entered into a downward spiral, and has become unaware of the deficiencies rooted in their lost knowledge, skills and attitudes. Their usual reactions are denial and anger, signs of a classic grieving process. Additionally, corporate politicking becomes part of each team members' means of surviving the next round of 'budget cuts," and resulting layoffs.

Before company decision-owners usually pay any attention to the dangerous spiral they are in, participants have to become conscious of the pattern; trusting and often-times acting on their belief this pattern foretells of an inevitable company deconstruction and loss of their job security.

Could the same be said for a society, or found in the dynamics of a family, a relationship? Of course. We easily are caught in this spiral, and remain so focused on “Finding solutions” - quick fixes - and on self-deluding tricks - that we have to approach the bottom before we even begin to consider doing anything different. For many, it is a perceived necessity to breakdown in order to break through.

The omission of not recognizing this pattern allows us to be lead further down the spiral of destruction, be it self-destruction or the companies we own, run or work for... So, the question is asked, "Is there a possibility of reversing the spiraling dynamic?"

In short, No. This pattern exists. It is part of any cycle and is constant and far more powerful than any of us. We can see clear evidence today with our economic crisis, can't we? However, there is good news. Because thankfully, there is an option completely depart out of the spiral. The secret is to take ownership for making the decision, to depart the processes which have led to the lost brilliance of the company...

There is a hopeful ancient idea here: the Greek root of the word decision is departure. In other words, it is within the decisions you make (or affect) that the opportunity for a true departure awaits. This is promising, yes?

Because all of us have been warned of this spiral since an early age, in the myths and stories of our traditions. In different cultures this progression takes the form of famous stories, haunting myths and even spiritual journeys. Consistent in every story is an alarming tale of the inevitable descent into darkness before remembering to be the light. We all live within an illusion - an illusion, of our own making - and it has been our choices which have created our individual and collective “reality.”

Our challenge is to escape this illusion. Faced with such a situation one might wish to introduce some escape – some kind of transformation – to establish a different standard for thinking and decision-making, to learn how right decisions get made and how such powerful decisions might be affected.

But what would it take to make right decisions?

There are three elements, which I'll explore in greater depth in my next post. For now, here they are in brief summary as we continue this conversation together.

The three elements for making right decisions are as follows:

1. An Immediate Need for Process,
   
2. An Insatiable Desire for Learning and Adapting; and
   
3. A Focus on Decisions.
   

Because the right decisions will bring about the real changes desired...