Mark Sanborn, a professional speaker and author of the book, “Always Win” joined us remotely from Denver, CO. Mark shared that he is a big fan of Rotary, and competed in many speaking competitions sponsored by Rotary Clubs when he was a young person.

 

These are unprecedented times as we are experiencing the first pandemic of most person’s lifetimes with shelter in place orders/social distancing. These are circumstances we can’t control, and didn’t cause, but it will take many people working together to get through it. The question is, “What can we do to thrive, not just survive, during these challenging times?”

 

Mark believes the number one responsibility of leaders is to take care of themselves so they can, in turn, take care of their people. He offered the analogy of the surfer—a surfer doesn’t cause the waves, but reacts to the waves interactively. So, how do leaders take care of themselves? Mark shared 6 Daily Disciplines to Survive and Thrive, and was specific about using the term “disciplines” rather than “motivations.” This is because discipline is something you do, even if you don’t want to.

 

Six Daily Disciplines to Survive and Thrive

 

1. Rest—is directly related to your immune system. Get enough.
2. Routine—Keep one. How you dress helps you feel professional. Physical activity is important and is shown to be critical to managing and easing depression. Eat better, and eat less.
3. Problems—we will be inundated with bad information and uncertainty. Work hard to be informed and get the best and most current information you can. What are the most pressing problems that you can help solve?
4. Projects – What do you want to accomplish? Projects give your day structure.
5. Relationships – Mark shared P.I.E. “Purpose. Ideas. Encouragement” for strengthening relationships. Quoting Friedrich Nietzsche, Mark stated, “He who has a why to live can bear almost any how.” Mark went on to explain that we don’t need to communicate more, but to communicate better to build stronger relationships. As leaders, only share what you know you can make good later. Don’t speculate—wrong information is as bad, or worse, than no information. Be more concise, more persuasive.
6. Recreation—find ways to have fun. Take up a hobby, learn an instrument, a new language, etc.

During Q and A with club members, Mark responded to questions about the use of technology and relationships. He commented on the use of technology to enhance personal relationships—not replacing personal with virtual. Mark went to share the story of Jean-Dominique Bauby and his book, “The Diving Bell and the Butterfly.” Jean-Dominique was the editor of French Elle (fashion magazine) and was stricken by a massive stroke at age 43, becoming the victim of “locked in syndrome.” He could only communicate with his left eyelid, but composed a memoir that celebrates the liberating power of consciousness. While he could no longer speak or otherwise communicate with his family and friends, he was able to remember the flavors and details of fabulous meals he once enjoyed, or what it was like to spend a day with his children. Being present and conscious to the wonder of the ordinary things around us is powerful.

 

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