Executive Training: What Luke Skywalker can Teach Us
August 25, 2008 by Tom
Executive training and executive coaching are primarily about enhancing focus.
Focus is the master skill for success.
And Luke Skywalker can teach us a valuable lesson about it.
But first, here is a powerful quote from Timothy Gallwey, author of the Inner Game of Tennis, in his newer book, The Inner Game of Work:
“If there is one thing that excellence in sports and excellence in work have in common, it can be summed up in a single phrase: focus of attention. Focus is the quintessential component of superior performance in every activity, no matter what the level of skill or the age of the performer.
“The simple fact is that we do our best when we are focused, whether we are riding a bicycle, drawing a plan for a suspension bridge, conceiving a global strategy for a multinational company, negotiating a contract, selling a product, cutting sushi, tasting a glass of wine, appreciating a sunset, throwing a ball, or writing a book. And when focus is lost, we simply do not perform at our best” (p. 43).
“Focus, You Must”
I use the clip below in my executive training often. I usually just describe it so I’m happy to find it on youtube so I can show it to you.
A motion picture is worth thousands of words.
The challenge Luke faces in this clip is like the one you and I face each day at work: Stay focused on what’s most important despite a multitude of significant distractions.
As you watch, put yourself in Luke’s position…. what are the laser shots taken at you each day?
Who is your Darth Vader? (He could be an external person like your boss, or he could be a voice inside your head saying you must be perfect, you aren’t good enough, or you are a fake).
And what is your target? It’s hard to think of a more important question.
Luke’s mission is clear to him, he knows exactly what he is shooting at. Do you?
“Who Is Your Han Solo?”
Last question: Who is your Han Solo? Saving the day, freeing you to focus on the most important thing(s).
Consider hiring a coach.
We play Han’s role daily, helping executives clear the distractions so they can lock in on their target(s), trust their guts, and blow up their Death Stars.
Contact us if you think that would be useful. 813-963-6224.
May the Focus be with you!
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