A Development Strategy for a Lifetime

I am a collector of structures and processes that hold the possibility of self-development, organizational improvement and dare I say global health. My collection of structures and processes includes approaches that most would agree are proven. Six Sigma, Systems Thinking and Model I/Model II to name a few. At the other end of the development spectrum, there are processes like Encounter and Community Building, Dialogue and even some straight ahead yelling and screaming.

I reject stuff that will not hold up across broad groups, different organizations or at the individual level. As a collector I feel free to cherry pick these approaches for strengths while leaving behind the non-useful parts. I then attempt to put these pieces together new forms of development and test them on myself. If they show promise, I share them with others.

This approach to development is a bit edgy at times but it can be rich in discovery. At the same time, I am always seeking simplicity. I’m looking for the development equivalent of Danish design: clean, simple, and highly functional. I discovered just such an approach and wouldn’t you know it, I found it living with the Buddhists. Seems we can count on Eastern wisdom to give us simplicity and challenge all wrapped together.

Here is a Buddhist approach to self-development, organizational improvement and global health in five simple but not-so-easy-to-implement steps:

1. Confess My Faults
2. Approach What I Find Repulsive
3. Help Those I Think I Cannot Help
4. Anything I Am Attached To, Let It Go
5. Go Places That Scare Me

In my next few entries, I’ll talk about what I have learned about myself while practicing this development strategy. For now, consider how these five “interventions” might play out for you. Oh and these things often make me crazy.