David-McCleary, author of “Leaving Prisons: Release Your Trapped Value!” recently interviewed Tim Gallwey. Here is a transcript of that interview for Dave’s blog, davemccleary.com.
The Inner Game of Tennis
In the 1970’s, Tim Gallwey wrote what is still one of the most crucial books for deeply understanding adult learning and change. He eloquently unlocked significant mysteries, mysteries with which most organizations and individuals unfortunately still struggle. The book he wrote then was The Inner Game of Tennis. If have not read this book, go get it now. It’s that important.
Tim reviewed my new book, Leaving Prisons: Release Your Trapped Value! Tim referred to the book as, “A bold guide for leaders courageous enough to engage in serious self-reflection; an invitation to explore what is perhaps the last frontier for excellence – self-interference.”
I recently asked Tim, who just published another book, The Inner Game of Stress, some of my favorite questions regarding leadership. Here are his answers.
What is one of the most critical questions leaders should consider today and why?
HOW TO CREATE A CULTURE THAT AUTOMATICALLY PROMOTES LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT
IN ALL EMPLOYEES, NOT JUST THROUGH TRAINING, BUT THROUGH WORK EXPERIENCE AND
COACHING.
What are some of the wisest things leaders are doing now?
CREATING LEARNING/COACHING CULTURES TO DEVELOP THEIR PEOPLE
What are some of the most dangerous things leaders are doing now, and what should they do to minimize risk?
NOT PAYING SUFFICIENT ATTENTION TO THE UNCONSCIOUS CULTURAL FACTORS THAT
IMPACT PERFORMANCE, LEARNING, AND ENJOYMENT ON THE PART OF THEIR EMPLOYEES.
NOT PAYING SUFFICIENT ATTENTION TO GOAL CLARITY AND BUILDING THE FABRIC OF
TEAMS.
What is the most common form of self-interference that you see in leaders today?
IGNORING SELF-INTERFERENCE ITSELF AS IF IT DIDN’T EXIST OR AS IF THERE WAS
NOTHING YOU COULD DO ABOUT IT.
What opportunities for leaders are you most excited about?
THE CUTTING EDGE OF COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE IS WHO DOES THE BEST JOB
DEVELOPING THE SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES OF THEIR PEOPLE.
Tim is the founder of The Inner Game Inc., www.TheInnerGame.com and co-founder of IGEOS, www.igeos.net. He is the author of The Inner Game of Work, and most recently, The Inner Game of Stress.