Musings at Altitude

I was asked recently what “nirvana” means to me.  Here are some of those things that get me close to nirvana:

• Life transcends business, and folks in the business hallway know what’s happening in the lives of their teammates
• Elders in business are respected and included, and those that have retired are brought back in for their wisdom and guidance
• Leaders are vulnerable, admitting that they don’t have all the answers, admitting when they do things wrong, and asking for help on things even if they don’t really need help
• Values are truly values and not just bullet points on a wall that people with no values then point to for validation
• Intuition is obvious throughout the business enterprise as service requirements are anticipated and support is provided even in advance of the need being stated
• The emotions of the organization ebb and flow together, but folks pick each other up in times of great sadness or stress
• There is a deep respect for each others’ time and talents, and the organization as a whole does not waste folks’ time or ignore the talent
• The bond throughout the entire team is a bond built on love and trust; in the toughest times with the greatest challenges, we lead with love and we reinforce through trust
• Hallway chatter is uplifting and not debilitating; the whispers are from excitement and not from discouragement
• The bonus check causes great joy and not great disappointment
• Leaders are learning all the time and leading by example in their learning
• The team is developing all the time, towards an even better team
• Work and the time at the office is a real blessing for all the team, and that blessing that is gained at work carries over to blessings at home
• When an audit or inspection occurs, the auditor or inspector is truly “here to help”
• When the end of month, end of quarter, or end of year reviews occur, the positives far outweigh any negatives
• The smiles are genuine, and the laughter sincere
• When visitors drop by our office, they feel warm and welcome
• When family issues require changes in schedule, others step in immediately and no one knows the difference
• When individuals on the team get recognized, the entire team feels recognized; and when individuals succeed, the entire team succeeds

And there are so many more.  I’ve had folks tell me in the past that I live in a dream world, because these types of things can’t happen.  I have a real hard time listening to that because I’ve been so close that I couldn’t help but smile!

Besides, if I stop reaching for nirvana then I stop being me.