Crises provoke insight. And so it is with the publication of Balanced Leadership in Unbalanced Times by Robert Pasick Ph.D. As titles go this one is a winner, but the content is even richer. Inside is packed with the kind of insight and guidance that can only come from decades of coaching by a leading practioner in his field, Dr. Pasick.
Here are five things that resonated with me.
Find your balance points. The book provides insights into establishing routines that do simply allow you to get the work done, but also to find a point of grounding. This is essential for navigating the challenging times in which we live.
Have a dream . No use staying centered if you cannot grow. So, as Dr. Pasick suggests, find your dream and pursue. He relates the story of the development of the DuraHeart, a long-term patient support cardiac device, that is now undergoing clinical trials. It, too, began with a dream.
Know your EQ . As the saying goes, IQ gets you hired; EQ gets you promoted. The book provides insight into balancing emotions and connecting to others.
Be disciplined . This is a favorite of mine. Too often we think that if we try hard enough we will succeed. This is not the case. You need to be disciplined in how you balance what you want to do and how you do it – in your work, your personal life and in your community. Discipline is critical to getting things done correctly.
Learn to walk side by side . Too often our society rewards one upmanship, e.g. I am better than you so watch out. So it’s good to read of how Rob and his wife, Pat, also a clinical psychologist, have a marriages of equals. Their journey to Rwanda, where Rob and Pat taught government officials seeking to rebuild a nation destroyed by genocide, is a classic example of their partnership. As Rob says, “All of us have resources to share. All of us should look for ways to walk side by side with others.”
Dr. Pasick is a friend and colleague and so I am not surprised how well this book reads. But this book is one that is not meant to be skimmed; it should be pondered. The book’s design, complete with lined notes pages in the form of a coach’s playbook, complements the reflection process.
Get acquainted with Balanced Leadership in Unbalanced Times and restore some sanity to your daily life. You are in good hands with Dr. Pasick.
