intent + opportunity

A while ago, I wrote a post espousing my thoughts on a concept called the "Philosophy of Work." The idea is simple enough: each of us has a base set of assumptions about what it means for us to go about work or the thoughts we think about how-are-we-supposed-to-go-about-doing-it (work-wise). Our assumptions drive how we think, feel, act, and behave in work situations, and when these assumptions are put to the test, we find discomfort at work.

Furthermore, these assumptions drive the cultural development of organizations. A start-up will develop a culture that reflects its founders' work philosophy. When a new CEO comes into a corporation, her Philosophy of Work will set the tone and change the culture of that organization (Marissa Mayer's first year at Yahoo! is an excellent example of this).

The concept was birthed from a conversation I unpacked with someone who reported directly to me. Not only did the desire to articulate the concept of Philosophy of Work come out of the conversation, but a maxim that helped me best articulate my philosophy: intent + opportunity. My philosophy is simple: move forward with intent and seize every opportunity that presents itself.

intent

The words methodical and calculating have been used to describe my methodologies (I was once described by two of my team members as "Lex Luther, but nice"). This manifests in my history of creating long-term goals and developing strategies around those goals that require time and patience. That is, if I believe a strategy/plan/whatever is the correct course of action, I will hold fast in moving towards it over an extended period of time.

Another way to describe intent, within the context of my Philosophy of Work, is that once goals and strategies are set (insomuch as they align with overall desired organizational outcomes), we are responsible for moving towards those goals with all intents and purposes. This may sound like a no-brainer, but I would guess you know someone you worked for or with who did not do this (or did not do it well). The key to how this plays out culturally for the divisions, departments, or teams I have led is a set of almost manifesto-like dictums designed to move us toward those goals. No matter the length of time it takes, every action must move us along the path toward the end game. Sometimes this may seem rigid; sometimes, it may seem slow (generally only in periods with little change happening or required).

opportunity

While I find value in moving forward with intent, I also seize every opportunity to advance my cause swiftly when possible. Quite simply, if we proceed with intent toward some goal, an opportunity to shortcut the process or to take a quantum leap forward presents itself, I will waste no time exploiting it. This adds fluidity to my process. Because of the long-term focus I adopt, I can roll with change, adjust strategies and daily work, and shift resources to respond when confronted with obstacles or change.

I am opportunistic; I use those situations to my advantage and reach the end game quicker. In identifying this philosophy, I can better understand those I report to and those that report to me. I know when talking to my boss what my Philosophy of Work is and can better connect with them and understand where the potential conflict lies. With those that report to me, I can take the time and explain the why behind my methodology instead of assuming they think of things the way I do.

So what is your Philosophy of Work?