Confident people and the baseball bat !!!

I am reading an incredible book right now called "Life's Greatest Lessons - 20 Things That Matter" by Hal Urban. You may have noticed I recently added it to my best book list. It caught my attention in the book store because it was recommended by Ken Blanchard and Stephen Covey, two of my favorite "coaching" authors.

Mr Urban raises thoughts that are in alignment with my current string of blogs, so I thought I would mention them:
- Think with an open mind
- Think for yourself
- Think constructively

Now what does this have to do with confident people and baseball bats. Well as I have alluded to previously, I had a very poor capability to listen with empathy and an open mind until I turned ~40. Until then I was climbing the carreer ladder, expanding my circle of influence and succeeding at most things I took on. I was so smart, capable and successful that what I thought must be right !!!

Then within a 2 yr period I pushed myself too hard and suffered a severe panic attack, then over reached my circle of influence and seriously annoyed a couple of executives... Well, though you may not believe it. These were the best things that could have happened to me. They taught me humility, and enabled me to start learning and listening again. (also probably prevented a major coronary event someday) Then after seeing this similar thing happen to several others I coined the phrase:

"The more confident and successful a person is, the larger the baseball bat that will be required, to teach them humility and help them think & listen with an open mind." give2attain

This is why the Peter Principle is so true !!!

So, we can choose to be open minded and listen now or after the baseball bat hits, the choice is always ours.
-