Ron and Ed welcomed back the Godfather of modern consulting, Peter Block, for his second appearance. This episode is dedicated to the possibility that human beings are better served when we confront our freedom (the title of Peter's new book). Doing so, is difficult, challenging, and not for everyone. If you want to begin the process of confronting your own freedom, you are invited to participate in this episode. Safe return doubtful!
About Peter Block
Peter Block is an author and citizen of Cincinnati, Ohio. He is a partner in Designed Learning, a training company that offers workshops designed to build the skills outlined in his books. His books include Flawless Consulting, Stewardship, The Answer to How Is Yes, Community, The Abundant Community, and An Other Kingdom. Peter is a founder of the Common Good Collective, is part of the Common Good Alliance of Greater Cincinnati, and was a member of his local neighborhood council. Peter’s work is in the restoration of the common good and creating a world that reclaims our humanity from the onslaught of modernism.
To find out more, see: www.peterblock.com
Designed Learning, Inc. (www.designedlearning.com) offers training and consulting in Flawless Consulting and Community: The Structure of Belonging or Leader as Convener.
Use these show notes to follow along with the audio.
Segment one:
Peter Block mentions in his new book, “The cost of freedom is anxiety. This is not a great value proposition.” The traditional professional contract effectively says, “You work for us and we will keep you safe. We will take care of you.” https://www.amazon.com/Confronting-Our-Freedom-Accountability-Belonging/dp/139415609X
“The annual performance appraisal is control masquerading with an incentive to make things better.” —Peter Block
Why do leaders think accountability is reluctantly chosen? “It shows that evidence is not persuasive.” —Peter Block
Question to an employer: “What do you do?” Employer: “I grow people.” Peter Block: “Really? So you’re a gardener and I’m a weed?”
“The wish for safety [in an organization] is an illusion. Why not choose an illusion that better serves you.” —Peter Block
“When you’re sitting in a dentist chair how long is a minute? Too long. When you’re in love how long is a week? Too short.” —Peter Block
Segment two:
“Philosophy offers the possibility of providing new ways to explore old ground.” —Peter Block. This is not the language of the engineer or economist. It places meaning first.
Anxiety is the price you pay for your freedom. Peter Block takes this great quote further in his most recent book. More here https://www.amazon.com/Confronting-Our-Freedom-Accountability-Belonging/dp/139415609X
“Businesses — organizations — are human systems. Even if it’s 98% AI. Artificial Intelligence is interesting but it doesn’t mean it solves anything fundamental.” —Peter Block
We shouldn’t avoid these topics. In business you should ask, “What doubts do you have about what you are doing? What anxiety do you have?” —Peter Block
“Depression is looking backwards. Anxiety is looking forward.” —Peter Block
Segment three:
On entrepreneurship being risk, “One of the gifts of the scientific method is that it teaches us that failure is as valuable as success.” —Peter Block
As a leader, “You don’t demand predictability. There is nothing more frightening than predictability.” —Peter Block
“If I can’t say no, my ‘yes’ doesn’t mean anything.” —Peter Block
On gifts and finding purpose in an organization, “You shouldn’t have to retire to find out what you meant to this place.” —Peter Block
“If ever there was a moment when the imposter syndrome came true, it’s in the publishing of a book.” —Peter Block (and his NEW BOOK in the link) https://www.amazon.com/Confronting-Our-Freedom-Accountability-Belonging/dp/139415609X
Segment four:
On Peter’s general philosophy on solving problems “I don’t want to argue against problem solving. I just don’t want it to define who I am.”
“The enemy of aliveness is likemindedness.” —Peter Block
On the obscenity of corporate culture, Peter Block says (with enthusiasm), “To leave a meeting without a list! My God. You can go to hell for leaving a meeting without a list.”
“As soon as you take something to scale, you force it to be the same no matter where it goes.” —Peter Block
A big THANK YOU to Peter Block for joining us today. Please check out Designed Learning at @dl_global and his new book https://www.amazon.com/Confronting-Our-Freedom-Accountability-Belonging/dp/139415609X
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