Attitude: The "Wallenda Factor"

Scales of Perspective Matrix (continued)

Another element of the “Wallenda Factor” is to have a focus on learning. That is, as organizations strive to accomplish challenging outcomes, there will be setbacks. When the mindset is that of learning and not  failing, then the learning helps drive people to produce the set of intended outcomes. Here is an excerpt that illustrates the emphasis of learning:

“It’s like learning to ski. If you’re not falling down, you’re not learning. The tension here, integrated by these leaders, is that of failure versus learning.  While we can’t say that [leaders] exactly hailed failure, they certainly seemed to profit from it. They used the energy springing from paradox [of failure] to reach higher goals. Almost every ‘false step’ was regarded as an opportunity and not as the end of the world. They [leaders] were convinced that they could learn – and, more important, that their organizations could learn – how to succeed at whatever they undertook as their vision.”

Positive Self-Regard When Relating to Others

In your managerial or supervisory role, what’s your capacity to have and come from positive self-regard for those you supervise? 

Exercise:

Instructions: Circle the number below that fits you. This is only for yourself and you will have an option to print it when completed.

"Of all the judgements we pass in life, none is more important than the judgement we pass on ourselves. That judgment impacts every moment and every aspect of our existence."

- Dr. Nathaniel Branden, Psychologist, Author & Lecturer

Low -------------------------------- High
1 If I were to guess, my feeling is that my boss would currently rate my attitude as a:
2 Given the same chance, my co-workers and family would rate my attitude as:
3 Realistically, I would rate my attitude as a:
4 In dealing with others, I believe my effectiveness would rate at a:
5 My current creativity level is rated as a:
What insights have you gained based on your self-assessment?

Judgement on the Outcome of an Event

While self-regard is the intrinsic factor, this dimension is the extrinsic factor. The Wallenda factor is the perception one makes about the outcome of an event. As a result of the perception formed of the outcome, one's energy is directed accordingly.

The Wallenda Factor teaches us of the need to keep a focus on outcomes (or end results) and to embrace our employees in a way that helps them deliver on these outcomes (goals, tasks, projects).