There are 4 common blockers to achieving high performance:
- Lack of Safety,
- Lack of Respect,
- Lack of Ownership,
- Lack of Intention
Each of these key ideas can be stated simply:
SAFETY
The extent to which I feel I can be myself in my work; say what I need to say; do what I need to do; and be accepted for who I am.
RESPECT
The extent to which I regard others as human beings and not as “types” or “things” that are keeping me from getting what I want.
OWNERSHIP
The extent to which I acknowledge that I am responsible for my results and my experience; I do not find fault, nor lay blame; nor do I act solely out of obligation.
INTENTION
The extent to which I am clear—with myself and others—about the results I want to create and how I want to create them.
Notice that each of these ideas is 100% internal. The extent to which I am clear. The extent to which I regard others. And so on. One of our biggest mistakes is externalizing our safety, respect, ownership, and intention. Once we internalize them and consciously choose them, we are in the a much more effective position as an individual, and as a member of a team.
You can read more at http://cultureengine.net.
Amr Elssamadisy's Blog 
jenjiraw
January 16, 2014 at 2:43 am
Hello Amr, thank you for sharing this. I like the way you’ve summarized into simply and clear points. I agree that most of the points need to be internalized rather than externalize. However, I question on how we can do that in “Safety”? For me, look like it also needs support from Culture and environment as well.
samadisy
January 16, 2014 at 6:36 am
Do you know some people who feel safe in a burning building? Do you know others who feel unsafe crossing the street? Our feeling of safety is internal.
However, you are right, it is easier to feel safe in one culture/environment than another’s. And it is easer to give our respect to some people more than others also.
Would you agree?
Marilyn
January 20, 2014 at 2:36 pm
Agree with jenjiraw. The internal aspects are of course key… but there are also structures in place that can make a huge difference. For instance, anyone who has been consistently informed (in word or deed) that they are not good enough, or don’t fit in, will have a task comparable to climbing Everest ahead of them. And, note, that includes a large portion of humanity. It’s not only about not blaming, but being able to face being blamed by others. Just for starters.
samadisy
January 20, 2014 at 5:12 pm
Thanks for sharing your thoughts Marilyn. And I’ll add to that, personally, I forget these impediments and get fooled constantly – and without being in such a bad context where I have to climb Everest.
That being said, I’m still convinced that it is internal. I constantly see people in my same situation in different places mentally – some are much safer and effective, and others get stuck in situations that I seem to be okay with. That tells me that this is internal. (That doesn’t discount that it might be huge to many of us.)
I guess what I am trying to say, is that you MUST solve these problems. Or that these impediments are easy. You don’t and it is not. However, when these things are around they keep us from being effective with others – both at work and at home.
– Amr