Since the book “All I Really Need To Know I Learned In Kindergarten” by Robert Fulghum, there have been a number of similar type summaries. The basis for this one about Noah and the possible learning come from the Bracher Center for Integrity in Leadership. This Center has many very good materials and I recommend it to you.
Everything I need to know about life, I learned from Noah's Ark:
> Plan ahead. It wasn't raining when Noah built the Ark.
> You had better have a great plan if your vision is a big one.
> Don't miss the boat. If you miss the boat you are doomed.
> Remember that we are all in the same boat.
> Stay fit because even if you're not 600 years old, you may be asked to do something really big.
> Don't be immobilized by critic. Get on with the job that needs to be done. There are always going to be nay-sayers.
> Build your future on high ground.
> Diversity is a good thing so value it. Remember all of the animals were on board.
> Speed isn't always an advantage. The snails were on board with the cheetahs.
> When you're stressed, float a while.
> Remember, the Ark was built by amateurs with “Professional” help.
Noah’s Ark is about how certain people survived the Bible’s Great Flood and why a man of integrity was selected. Clearly, Noah had some Divine direction for his task and you may not have that. However, to survive, achieve and succeed, like Noah, here are some thoughts:
> Proper prior planning prevents pathetically poor performance. You just have to have a plan!
> Emergencies and opportunities seldom come with warnings. Maintain a healthy state for both you and your company. Check often to make sure you have things in balance.
> It really takes less time to do it right, the first time. The costs associated with inferior performance, including re-doing, are incredible. Noah took a long time to build that Ark. Take the necessary time to do tasks correctly, at whatever is an appropriate speed.
> Focus and don’t wander off track. Hang tough.
> Operating with integrity is not just the best path, it is the right path.
> Remain alert to the needs and goals of others, including time constraints, corporate culture and individual needs and idiosyncrasies.
> Graciousness is about understanding that sooner or later, everyone needs a little help. Noah had his wife and family to help. Be willing to offer assistance and ask for it, with ease. >Partnerships, built on mutual respect and competency, are powerful.
> Pay attention to the wisdom of all people, regardless of the package in which they come. >Insights that create success are in the hands of engaged stakeholders. Get your teams involved.
If you are the CEO or a senior executive, no matter what size the storm, always look for the rainbow. The rainbow lets you know that the daily disaster will also pass. Point it out to your organization. They need to see the promise of the future too.
John
John Maver
President
Maver Management Group
(925) 648-7561
Maver Management
