March 14: From Pi-neut to Leadership
Do the right things at the right time!
Today is Pi Day, the day to highlight the mathematical constant π (Pi ≈ 3.14159). In many countries, March 14 is written as 3/14, thus approximating π. Pi (π) is one of the most fascinating numbers in mathematics and physics. In addition, it is the birth day of Albert Einstein, and the death day of Stephen Hawking. Two great physicists, Pi nerds that is, who undeniably changed modern science.
What can we learn from the number Pi, Einstein and Hawking in our leadership?
First, let's take a look at your daily work. Do you also recognize that:
- Some situations seem to repeat themselves over and over again?
- It is often effective to take action, but sometimes better to slow down?
- Results never come about in a straight line, but with ups and downs?
Then you have experienced that life, and therefore your work, is cyclical.
All processes are cyclical
As our society becomes increasingly disconnected from the nature around us, we see the concept of "time" primarily as a straight line. This is especially true of Western cultures. We want to see continuous growth. We set a goal and make a plan to achieve it as efficiently as possible. If something intervenes, we immediately adjust our plans and go full speed ahead. Plan-Do-Check-Act. In my book "It's NOT About You!" I describe that organizations are made up of people and are therefore living organisms. They have to abide by the laws of nature. And in nature, all processes are cyclical.
We know that the earth revolves around the sun and we use this to determine the length of the year. And because the earth is at an angle of 23.5 degrees, we know the different seasons. These are determined by the varying amounts of sunlight each day and the resulting changes in weather. Our months are based on the moon revolving around the earth, even though we have adjusted its duration slightly to fit our calendar. Because the earth also rotates on its own axis, we have the cycle of a day. Because of this rotation, the moon's gravity varies on the oceans, which is why we have the tides of ebb and flow.
Pi is Key
Anyone who wants to understand cyclical processes automatically arrives at the number Pi. The circumference of a circle is always π times its diameter. Nature is full of cyclical patterns that can be perfectly modeled thanks to π. It is an infinite, irrational number, which itself has no repeating patterns. This makes it a mysterious and intriguing number that continues to fascinate mathematicians and scientists alike.
March 14, Pi Day, is a special day. Not only because of its historical significance for science. This day symbolizes getting to the bottom of the cyclical processes in which we consciously and unconsciously always participate. There is a right time for everything. Where are you in the cyclical process? And what behavior is most effective in this phase? To achieve your goals, you want to oversee the cyclical process. This is how you move from Pi-neut to Leadership. Just like Albert Einstein and Stephen Hawking.
Einstein and Hawking: from Pineut to Leadership
Albert Einstein is considered one of history's greatest geniuses. But his path to success was anything but straightforward. He was born on March 14, 1879, in Ulm, Germany. The young Einstein struggled to adapt to the strict and traditional educational system of his time. He was a dreamer who did not perform well in the classical subjects.
Einstein's breakthrough came at age 26, when he introduced his famous theory of relativity. He received fierce criticism from established scientists. But instead of being discouraged, he defended his theories with determination and patience. With the rise of Nazism, his Jewish heritage forced him to flee for his life. He left for the United States, where he used his influence to advocate for peaceful applications of science and technology. His ability to persevere, even when experiencing setbacks, inspired others to think outside the box themselves.
Stephen Hawking was one of the most influential theoretical physicists of the 21st century. He experienced significant setbacks in his life. At the age of 21, he was diagnosed with the disease ALS, for which doctors gave him only a few years to live. Despite the devastating diagnosis, Hawking continued to make extraordinary scientific achievements. As his physical condition worsened, he persevered.
His research on black holes, the Big Bang and the nature of the universe brought revolutionary insights. With the help of a speech computer, he continued to write scientific articles and give lectures. In doing so, he made complex scientific concepts accessible to the general public. He never let his physical limitations limit him and proved that leadership is all about the impact you can have with your mind and your ideas. Stephen Hawking passed away on March 14, 2018.
The metaphor of the seasons
Einstein and Hawking showed us that success is a matter of long breath and belief in yourself. They stood firm in their visionary opinions, but also showed resilience and patience. When is the right time for what behavior? It is amazing how the answers to such contemporary questions are hidden in ancient wisdom traditions. Long before our era, Taoists in China studied the cyclicality of the processes unfolding around them. They noticed how the seasons each contributed their own unique quality in the ever-flowing process of creation.
- At the end of summer, nature is at its peak. Trees bear fruit in all flavors and colors. Fields are full of golden corn, maize and sunflowers. It is the completion of a full cycle of work, offering abundance for all.
- In autumn, the energy in nature begins to turn inward. The temperature drops. Leaves change color and eventually fall from the trees. All flora and fauna release their impressive presence and prepare for winter.
- In winter, everything in nature retreats to the core of existence to survive the cold. Trees hold their energy in their roots. Animals hibernate in their burrows. This is the moment, when nature has come to an outward halt, when the first inner step of a new cycle is taken. The animal grows stronger. The tree prepares to grow even more beautiful and stately. Nothing can be seen yet, but on the inside the work is being done.
- Then spring arrives and energy bursts forth. With rising temperatures, nature cries out: "Here I am! Behold me!" The joy of life is wrapped up in a palette of the most brilliant colors. Blossoms are the promise of fruit. Birds hatch their eggs, seeds germinate and trees begin to build their infrastructure with new leaves.
- In summer, the real work is done. Nature has reached its maximum productive capacity. Trees and plants convert oxygen and water and do what they were created to do-grow fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts and other foods. All life energies are working at full capacity to reach the peak-delivering their fruits.
The 4 Leadership Pillars
Man is an integral part of nature. From this, the Taoists logically deduced that the rhythms of nature apply to us as well. At Paradise Shaper, we translate the seasons into four practical pillars for leadership. They are four phases that flow naturally into one another. If we do the right things in each of these phases, we are guaranteed to achieve the best results over time. By adapting our leadership to what each phase needs, we bring our team into a natural flow. Let's take a closer look at the four pillars, all of which are equally important.
Reflect |
Reflect represents autumn. It is the ability to step out of the game for a moment to look at your own behavior and thought process. What was your intention? What actions did you take? Who did you involve? What results did you achieve? What would you change next time? If you want to grow as a leader and as a company, building reflection into your daily routine is paramount. It increases your awareness while you are in the game and allows you to pursue a mindset of continuous improvement. As a team, it is also crucial to set aside time for joint reflection. By doing so, you learn from successes and misses, create a culture of openness and growth, and immediately build a true connection. |
Vitalize |
Vitalize is the proverbial winter. It is the platform on which you will build your success. It's primarily about your physical vitality as a leader. As a corporate athlete, you will learn to apply powerful insights and techniques to boost your energy levels. You'll discover how to effectively breathe, eat, exercise, sleep and organize yourself to get the most out of your day. The same goes for your team and business. What are the vital functions you direct your organization toward? How do you get the team in a healthy state? What are practical tools to build collective resolve, resilience and resourcefulness? This starts with the values that are important to the team and translating them into a powerful behavioral framework to which each commits passionately. |
Ambition |
Ambition takes place in spring. It is the desire to live your full potential. It is both the dream and the practical translation into concrete actions. It requires clarity of thought, a combination of integral vision with an eye for detail. As you learn through experience (=>Reflect) and create the platform for growth (=>Vitalize), you can aim much higher. What is it that you really want, both for yourself and for your team? What do you want as a team collectively? What stands in your way to achieve this? How do you overcome these obstacles wisely? What is the smartest strategy to achieve your goals? And most importantly, who do you need to get it done? |
Realize |
Realize is what you do in the figurative summer. It is the dexterity to deal with people in the most effective way at any time. It's about understanding what motivates people. The latest understanding of team motivation can be expressed in a simple ABC: Autonomy ("I want to make my own decisions"), Bonding ("I want to be part of a team") and Competence ("I want to be good at my job and grow"). How do you keep each other on your toes and speak to each other constructively about the joint agreements? How do you ensure that each takes responsibility so that you really work and perform together as a team? How do you achieve your results in a way that is inspiring, challenging and fulfilling for everyone? |
Do you want to develop your team?
Paradise Shapers are leaders who can play with the four leadership pillars. They learn from the past and balance their emotions. They are able to clear their heads to develop a clear vision. They understand the art of inspiring others and coaching them to develop their talents. Thus, they realize the dreams and goals of both the organization, and the employees themselves.
Would you also like to become a Paradise Shaper and achieve peak performance naturally with your team? Then read here more about our Team Impact program. In 6-12 months we guide your team through all four leadership pillars. We apply new knowledge immediately in practice. It is an interactive program, where practice and execution are central. The program is supported by online modules with a short daily video or podcast. In this way we ensure that insights and skills are anchored immediately.
Want to know more? Please contact contact us for an informal conversation.
We look forward to working with you!
Warm regards, Team Paradise Shaper
