Management guru Jim Collins has made a career out of understanding why companies and organizations succeed. Two books he has written – Built to Last and Good to Great – are considered business classics. He currently is researching how companies manage to navigate through turbulent times. Many of his conclusions can be applied to what we need to do as individuals to get through these tough times.
In a recent interview, he is quoted as saying: “In my research, we are trying to understand what distinguishes those who prevail when the world goes out of control from those who don’t. It’s a great human question; it’s not a business question. All of us are walking around with a little thing in our stomachs that says: ‘I don’t feel very good in all of this.’ That’s more or less the new norm.”
Jim argues that what is happening is not unprecedented as many contend. He points out: “We have this arrogant view that we’re the first people to experience change, that we’re the first to experience volatility and uncertainly. When you take a look at history, there have been many other difficult times, and we have survived.”
“Almost across the board, people are worried. But you have to believe we will prevail, that we will get through this mess. But it’s vital that you not be the Pollyanna who ignores the brutal facts. We may be in this for a long time, but we must strive to turn whatever difficulty we may be facing into a defining event, use it as the catalyst to make ourselves much stronger, recognizing that our character is being forged in a burning, searing crucible.”
Wid
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The Grand Canyon State Games is a multi-sport Olympic Festival providing a showcase for the talents and aspirations for Arizona and America's youth regardless of age or ability and to share many of the great attributes of our state. In fact we have had a 3 year old come down the mountain in our Winter skiing event and a 99 year old gentleman throw the javelin in our Track & Field event. We truly have something for everyone.
