What comes to your mind when you read the famous word: “Oreo”?
Was it the crunchy chocolate wafers or the sweet cream filling?
Was it dunking your Oreo cookie in a tall glass of cold milk
What about a childhood memory? Were you the kid that twisted the two wafers in opposite directions to access the cream filling? Oh, you STILL do that?
Head over to Oreo.com, and the message is light-hearted: “There’s joy in a world with a different flow. Let’s stay playful, OREO.”
As if you need to be convinced, let your mouth water as you ponder this:
Wonderfilled Oreo is Milk’s Favorite Cookie™, and people aren’t far behind. Oreos are responsible for almost as many happy childhood memories as sunshine and vacation days. And you can have Oreos any day you like – even if you’re an adult. Twist ‘em, dunk ’em, use ‘em in recipes, or just eat them. Every variety of the Oreo family is sure to please and delight, so try them all.
Looking for a unique Father’s Day gift? Show Dad how awesome he is with a “ready-to-gift box filled with OREO treats.” There’s no need to buy a greeting card, the message on the box says it all:
COOL DADS LET YOU EAT COOKIES
Now, if you are inclined to avoid the nutrition information printed on the package, it’s true Oreo cookies will help you grow. 🙂
But now, let’s explore how “O.R.E.O.” can help you process the Story and grow as a leader.
WHAT IS THE BEST PREDICTOR OF FUTURE SUCCESS?
Personal growth and development require you to engage your ability and willingness to learn and change. I call it “The Best Predictor of Future Success.” To achieve future success, you must consistently reflect on the truth found in the Story.
Truth, in this application, means feedback, experience, success, and failure.
“What’s the truth in the Story? ” is the question to ask if you want to get better every day. Easy to ask, harder to answer. The pursuit of truth will help you break out of Stuckville.
PROCESS THE STORY
What happens when you (or someone on your team) don’t create space to think?
That’s right; you do the unthinkable.
When today’s Story includes unproductive behaviors, poor choices, or misguided actions, your life clashes with what is reasonable or desirable, it’s unthinkable.
Notice what you or someone on your team says after making a bad decision or poor choice. No doubt, you have said or heard someone lament, “I didn’t think that would happen.” We don’t have to look hard to find the “unthinkable” in our world today.
To write the story you want to tell, you must create space to think. That means you embrace the disciplined use of time, place, and resources to reflect on the truth found in the Story.
To minimize insanity — doing the same thing over and over while hoping for a different result — create space to think. Remember O. R. E. O. and bring some structure to your Personal Focus Meeting (PFM).
Observe your story — Stop being “so busy” and pay attention. What happened?
Reflect on the truth in the story — What are you accepting as true?
Edit the story — How can you show up better next time?
Own it — You are responsible to write your story, pick up your pen.
CREATE SPACE TO THINK
Pour yourself a tall glass of ice-cold milk and grab an Oreo cookie.
- When will you schedule an appointment with yourself? If it matters, put it on your calendar. Your Personal Focus Meeting (PFM) is a great way to start your day BEFORE the whirlwind begins.
- Where will you have your PFM? Many leaders schedule the appointment at home. You may be able to close your office door. Know this: you will have to fight for your PFM, and the more value you receive, the harder the battle to be consistent. Until you can’t live without it.
- What resources do you have available? Reflect on the Story by asking questions.
What happened yesterday? In “that” meeting? With the other person?
What did you want in the situation?
How would you need to show up for that to happen? What would need to change?
Observe
Reflect
Edit
Own it
It’s your story, so write the Story you want to tell,
Steve
Photo by SHAYAN IZADI ☄️ on Unsplash