Pulse November 2015 | Page 61

changing and innovating every day already. If everyone is capable of innovating, the only thing stopping you from getting ahead consistently is your own sense of perspective. As we discovered, fear comes in seven flavors. Learn to conquer them, and you’ll soon find out—the possibilities are endless. modern life skills like dynamic decision-making, entrepreneurship and problem-solving. And this is happening even as the traditional system for professional advancement is crumbling and competitive environment getting tougher. Businesses, schools and even parent’s opinions should adapt to match the new reality. ■ P: You argue that the ability to find courage is among the most important new success skill sets today—why so? S: The research is staggering: Organizations like Amazon and Google create competitive advantage by consistently experimenting with and learning from new ideas. Individuals are proven to succeed more frequently by thinking fast on their feet and resiliently forging ahead despite setbacks, not possessing greater IQ or inborn talent. Constant, ongoing change and evolution seem to be crucial ingredients for both personal and professional success, and with a little strategic thinking and forethought, anyone can make them work in their favor. It’s amazing what you can achieve when you’re persistent and open-minded. According to Steinberg, when we’re frightened to make mistakes, step out of our comfort zone, and take chances, it directly affects our on-thejob performance. Fear can exert a powerful force over the decisions that we make and risks that we are willing to take. Based on his research, he found seven types of fear: P: What’s the one simple, practical piece of advice you hope people take away from Make Change Work for You? S: Innovation isn’t rocket science. I spoke with dozens of experts and authorities for my research for the book, including leading executives, entrepreneurs, pop culture icons and more. Some of their most common pieces of advice for success in life and business are “don’t be afraid to fail,” “think positive,” “take action” and “learn and improve from your efforts.” You don’t need legions of case studies, journals, whitepapers, and others to transform a business, transform a life, or transform a career. You just need to change your mindset. Study after study shows that attributes that anyone can learn and possess like improvisation, communications, strategy and resilience are keys to success—nothing more, nothing less. In other words, anything is possible when you put your mind to it. P: How important is it to educate others about what it takes to succeed in the modern world? S: We live in a world that celebrates entrepreneurs and risktakers like Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg. But very few schools seem to be training future generations to practice the qualities they possess, or providing education in vital 1. Failure. The possibility of being unable to successfully achieve a goal or complete a task set by yourself or others. 2. Embarrassment. The shame and self-consciousness felt when one feels humiliated, unable to live up to expectations, or socially conform. 3. Underperformance. Performing at a level that you or others believe to be less than adequate, or not reflective of your full potential. 4. Rejection. When you, your company, or the products or services you represent are refused, turned away, or avoided by others. 5. Change and Uncertainty. The process of acting or reacting differently—and the discomfort that accompanies these shifts or surrounding risks and uncertainties. 6. Confrontation. Having a negative or hostile personal or professional interaction with others. 7. Isolation. The feeling of being alone or left to operate solo without others’ support. November 2015 ■ PULSE 59