Learn to Resist the 7 Deadly Sins
Lord Toranaga (a principal character in James Clavell’s 1976 novel, Shogun) became a successful leader, in part, because he was able to master himself above all else. He learned to resist strong emotions and to think clearly when everyone around him was panicking. Clavell, in my view, understood the nature of individual power—it comes from within.
Let’s look at how resisting the 7 Deadly Sins might help your career and life:
1. Let’s start with lust. Just think of the difficult circumstances that Tiger Woods is currently facing and you can immediately see what a lack of control over this aspect of your life can do to your career, not to mention your marriage and family. Think back a bit further—Donald Trump’s personal and financial circumstances changed radically (and for the worse) when he installed a mistress in a condo around the corner from his head office and then started to have long, liquid lunches with her. Before (and after) The Donald had been a teetotaler. And he was successful both before and after but not during these events.
2. Pride. This sin prevents people from concluding successful negotiations more often than not. In an essay titled ‘Don’t be Afraid to Make the First Move’ (http://www.eqjournalblog.com/?p=557), you can see how pride gets in the way of deal making.
3. Greed. Let’s face it, lawyers are trained to go into every situation with just three things on their minds: a. how to win on behalf of their client, b. how to game the situation so they can generate more billable hours and c. how they can protect themselves from liability. That’s it. They only understand situations that create one winner and one loser. Deal makers and peace makers understand that you have to leave something on the table for the other party. In a commercial negotiation, if you leave something on the table for the other party, you have a pretty good chance of turning that party into a long term client or loyal supplier.
4. Wrath. When you get angry your IQ drops (by about 10 percentage points). You lose your ability to think around corners, think outside the box or see the other person’s point of view. One thing you have to admire about Barrack Obama, he keeps his cool. If you are going to lose your temper, don’t, just pretend to. That way people will know you are making a point of emphasis and you will know it too.
5. Sloth. I have never known a lazy entrepreneur who was successful. Maclom Gladwell says (in his book, Outliers) that it takes 10,000 hours to master your craft. Sir Terence Matthews (Founder of Mitel, Newbridge and March Networks) says it takes 7 to 12 years to create a great business. For most people, it takes even longer.
6. Envy. There are many attributes about Canadians that are admirable but the desire to tear down the tall poppy is not one of them. Early in his NHL career, Wayne Gretzky was widely unpopular amongst young males. Why? The stated reason was: “He doesn’t fight.” The real reason? He was mega successful and had a cute girlfriend. In the US, when your best buddy, say, Leo DiCaprio, hits it big, Leo brings his whole crew along for the ride (like Vince in Entourage). They celebrate his success together. You can learn from examples of success and then you can focus on what you can do to make your own life better.
7. Gluttony. If you are not fit for life, you won’t be a leader. You need energy and concentration—if you are consuming mass quantities of food and alcohol and other substances, forget about it—you’ll go nowhere.
Now I realize that no one is perfect and that everyone is subject to temptation. We all fall short. So remember to be tolerant of the faults in those around you and in yourself. Most people deserve a second (but not a third) chance. Heed Plato’s words: “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.”
Prof Bruce