Living Simple Rules

Because how we see things is pretty much how things are for all of us, I put together this short list of Simple Rules based upon the 4 Truths, a wonderful model that emerged from the work of the Human Systems Dynamics Institute, and its founder, Dr. Glenda Eoyang.

Though not strictly Simple Rules, the following aligns with the Truth as we know it.

Simple Rules for Finding the Truth

• Objective Truth: Just the facts, Ma’am. –Dragnet
• Subjective Truth: How you look at it is pretty much how you’ll see it. -Rasheed Ogunlaru
• Normative Truth: Say not, ‘I have found the truth,’ but rather, ‘I have found a truth.’ –Kahlil Gibran
• Complex Truth: Search for the true and useful. –HSD Institute Simple Rule

So, what is YOUR truth? 

 

 

 

 

 

Everyone worries about time management: so much to do, so little time, so much left at the end of the day. Steve Tobak, start-up expert/consultant, author, and contributor for Entrepreneur.com, has a different idea. He believes “our continual obsession with self-improvement and personal productivity” actually costs more than it saves. Reading one of his articles got me thinking and these simple rules emerged.

Simple Rules for Managing Time (and a few other things)

• Give up the search for shortcuts. Quick fixes and ‘good enough’ may sound good, but is it really quick and is it good enough for you?
• Unplug. Distractions come in the most appealing and appalling shapes and sizes. When you are ready to focus, turn off and tune out.
• Plot your own course. We learn and grow from every interaction but what counts is your own style, perspective, technique, approach and manner.
• Know yourself.  This old saw is always apt. Productivity and creativity come from within. Find your own rhythm, space, time and pace. One (wo)man’s chaos/choice is another (wo)man’s inspiration/revelation. It is STILL about who you are, what is important, and how you want to connect with the world.

Thanks Steve!

 

Are you someone who frequents and sincerely enjoys cafes, coffee bars, local eateries, public spaces, and other wi- fi accessible areas to work when not at your desk or on the road? I have learned to appreciate community rules and follow the etiquette of the common grounds; and have been paying attention not only to my own behavior, but that that of others around me as well. Most journeyers respect the parameters of good sense and good manners; it is also enlightening to identify and observe those who don’t. Keep an eye out next time you are having an espresso. What kind of customer are you?

Simple Rules for Taking Advantage – without Taking Advantage – of Public Wi-Fi in Private Places

• Order Something. Sitting for hours at someone’s place of business requires a reasonable purchase in direct proportion to your time there.
• Respect Peak Hours. Limit your time taking up revenue space during lunchtime or other high-volume periods. 
• Don’t Occupy the Biggest Table. Even if you like to spread out, you are a party of one.
• Use the Buddy System. Sharing or pairing up with someone else reading, working or studying is friendly, courteous and a good way to meet an interesting stranger.

These are rules not original, and I don’t know if they are exactly posted anywhere, but someone I met recently at Panera’s shared these with me. I’m passing them along.

 

 

 

It may simply be the irrationality of the times or the shifting tides and winds. Nonetheless I do think Difference is a notion that continues to vex us. Shall we reinforce or do away with “Us vs. Them” thinking, choose compassion over judgment, and curiosity over fear? Or not? The climate has been particularly deadly of late – as if there were something else going on that we choose to miss.  (Pay no attention to the current, endless streaming of melodramatic, barely factual punditry and drivel currently available ad nauseam to rile up even the most mild-mannered among us on all sides.)

If we take two steps to the left, we will notice changing patterns of thought, action, and decision-making. The pendulum is swinging back and forth. Another way of putting it is this: as systems shift and react to myriad internal and external influences, it takes time for the system to self-organize once more. Each of us has the ability to influence the world, and that may be our call to action. Do something different and change the patterns for ourselves.

In my mind, the notion of Difference still retains the underlying opportunity of ‘So What?’ Let’s just pursue that thought. Because you are  _______  (fill in the blank) and different, what are the implications for you and me and the world as we know/understand/like it?  My response, personally and professionally, is this: between and among us, there are gazillions of differences, e.g., hometown, education, values, lifestyle, favorite ice cream flavor, hot dogs with mustard or ketchup, sports teams, aisle or window seat, shaken or stirred, and so on.  There are differences and always will be.

 

 

The real question then becomes, What are the DIFFERENCES THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE? Because you and I sound different, look different, and celebrate different occasions and rites, does that mean we cannot work together, live in the same neighborhood, sit next to each other on the commuter train, and have a lively conversation and exchange of ideas?

Instead, let’s explore those differences that really make a difference and focus on resolving them.  If we can get back to the basics of who we are, what is important to us, and how we want to connect with others, we may be able to clear some common ground for progress and reason. 

 

 

 

A colleague of mine asked me to speak to a group of her first-year college students. I agreed and we talked about a set of simple rules to set the tone of the class and reasonable expectations going forward. Then she and I came up with the following simple rules which seemed appropriate and would serve many beyond the bounds of the classroom. Following the presentation, students then created their own short lists. Yes, simple rules are personal; AND they are universal, too. 

Simple Rules for Every Student

• Always do your homework; be prepared – in fact, shoot for over-prepared.
• Work and play well with others; reach out and develop strong, lasting relationships. You never know when that give-and-take and common support will benefit one or both of you.
• Go for extra credit; do more than you have to and exceed expectations. People will always remember how you treated them.
• Never stop learning; everywhere you look there are opportunities for growth and development. There is always a takeaway if you look for it.
• Don’t skip recess; take the time for reflection, discovering purpose, a good stretch, and a turn at bat.

 

 

 

This morning in my inbox I found this neat piece on how to hone your decision-making skills. I have seen many varieties of these steps and processes; you simply have to decide what works best for you. As for me, I cannot resist making them even simpler.  

On Decision Making

• Know what you value.
• Know where you are headed.
• Seek input from others around you.
• Weigh your options.
• Go for it.

Thanks, Jacob, and a shout out to Wise Bread. 

 

 

 

 

I can often be my own worst enemy. Is that often not the case? So, on reflection I have come up with these. I cannot see where these would not work. Will report back on this.

Simple Rules for Getting Out of My Own Way

• Understand the map and the territory.
• Allocate time, energy, and resources wisely.
• Value clarity and economy, appreciate success and failure.
• Know when less is more and when more is more.
• Clear away the noise and focus.
• See, understand, and then act!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I’m a high school teacher and have the joy of working with young people on the brink of discovery. They are a serious and sophisticated bunch, with talent and skills to match their hope; they readily choose to make a difference in the world. Their simple rules are straightforward and speak to the challenges and opportunities they see ahead.

Take the Challenge

• Stretch and flex.
• Choose creativity.
• Venture out of your comfort zone.
• Be a hero and do the right thing.