More Beckett on Leadership
Is there anything I can do, that’s what I ask myself, to cheer them up? I have given them bones, I have talked to them about this and that, I have explained the twilight, admittedly. But is it enough, that’s what tortures me, is it enough?
Lesson: Do more than is required. When the minimum requirements have been met, true leaders are just getting started.
______________________________________________Yes, gentlemen, I cannot go for long without the society of my likes, even when the likeness is an imperfect one. From the meanest creature one departs wiser, richer, more conscious of one’s blessings.
Lesson: Never underestimate the power of informally talking with your subordinates.
______________________________________________Follower: I had a dream.
Leader: Don’t tell me!
Follower: I dreamt that . . .
Leader: DON’T TELL ME!Lesson: Encourage creativity and risk-taking.
______________________________________________A moment ago you were calling me Sir, in fear and trembling. Now you’re asking me questions. No good will come of this!
Lesson: Create a favorable culture and climate.
______________________________________________Leader: I’d very much like to sit down, but I don’t quite know how to go about it.
Follower: Could I be of any help?
Leader: If you asked me perhaps.
Follower: What?
Leader: If you asked me to sit down.
Follower: Would that be a help?
Leader: I fancy so.
Follower: Here we go. Be seated, Sir, I beg of you.
Leader: No, no, I wouldn’t think of it. (Pause: Aside.) Ask me again.
Follower: Come, come, take a seat, I beseech you, you’ll get pneumonia.
Leader: You really think so?
Follower: Why it’s absolutely certain.
Leader: No doubt you’re right. (He sits down.) Done it again! Thank you, dear fellow.Lesson: Share responsibility and authority
______________________________________________Up pig! Up hog!
Lesson: Be succinct and consistent in your communication.
March 20th, 2007 00:50
[...] Anyhow, why do you still now know Josipovici? I’ve read to you from Moo Pak, I’ve touted (in passing) the criticism, I’ve explained to you the twilight … why? Especially since your mother, by which of course I mean the Chicago Public Library, has assembled such a nice selection of works for you? [...]