Unusual lessons

I was privileged to be part of the exclusive dinner for CEOs after the Thought Leaders Forum organised by Monitor Publications on 12th July, 2016. We had an opportunity to get a little closer, access more insights from the key note speaker of the day, Google’s head of media outreach, Daniel Sieberg.

Typically, what people do tell us much more than what they say. As such, I chose to watch their behaviours to pick clues and lessons. Besides, I doubt whether am at liberty to share what was said because it was exclusive, ok? Now, back to what I noticed.

Phones kept away
Apart from one CEO who walked away to pick a phone call…presumably an urgent one, everyone stayed away from their phones. They focused. Of course they all have smart phones but they ignored the temptation to be distracted. Why do I raise this? Having spoken to very many audiences, I have noticed that a good number of people finding it a challenge to stay away from their phones. Especially with the advent of the smart phone. Or should I call it distraction phone. They seemed to have the awareness that it’s ok to stay away from the phone for a while and pay attention to the critical matters at hand. Smarter than the smart phone? Definitely. Next time when you are itching to reach out for that phone you are having right now amidst a learning session, think twice. Waiting could be a smart decision.

Taking notes
One would assume that CEOs ‘know it all’ and therefore don’t have to take notes. No. They were all taking notes somehow. Demonstrating the humility to learn. Probably that’s one of the reasons as to why they are at the top. I have a confession to make. I am not an avid notes taker. But I also know that it’s very critical because you can easily remember key points after a while which could have long flown away from the mind. By the way, I was taking notes on the day just in case you are wondering. Remember taking notes is a gift to yourself today and in the future.

Learn now and eat later
At one moment, our host asked whether we wanted to serve food and continue the conversation while eating. One CEO responded, “Based on the schedule you gave us, Daniel will be leaving in 40 minutes. It’s better we utilise the time and serve food later”. Everyone agreed. Now, this may sound logical, but that’s not always the case in other audiences. Minutes serving food could be used to pick nuggets of wisdom that can transform one’s life or business. So, why waste the moment. Its such distinctions in one’s outlook that separates leaders from followers, winners from losers. Does that mean you should never eat? No. the lesson is about prioritization. These simple lessons may not make you a CEO but they could turn you into a better person.

ethan@success-Africa.com
Ethan is the CEO of Success Africa, a motivational speaker, author and HR consultant.