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Passion, the Herd and Objectivity

Guest post by: Rebel Brown

Article Overview: We all talk about the value of objectivity. But it’s not as easy as it sounds. It’s easy to lose our objectivity, to adopt the beliefs and perspectives of those around us. The more we interact with others and their beliefs, the easier it is to mind meld with them, and lose our objective focus.

Passion, the Herd and Objectivity

Objectivity, being and seeing in the present and not the past, eliminates Gravity. The problem is, staying objective isn't the easiest thing to do. Human nature can be a real threat to objectivity.

Humans can be passionate. It's really easy to let our passion shade our objectivity. I especially have to watch myself around this one. I'm a passionate person, and proud of it. When I believe in something, I'm like a puppy with a ragdoll. I will not let go. I get excited, energized and ready to take the world by storm. That passion fuels my creativity - which is a really good thing. Unless I step so far into passion that I lose my objectivity. Passion can create blinders. That's when it turns into Gravity. I'm learning to clearly see what's true around me, while I bounce off the walls with excitement!

A herd mentatility also makes it tough to remain objective. We tend to adopt the beliefs and perspectives of those around us. It's how we form societies, friendships, business cultures and families. The more we interact with others and their beliefs, the easier it is to mind-meld with them. Sooner or later, we can lose our objective focus.

So – how can we stay objective? Here are some things I do. See if they work for you.

Spend time in the real world.Bottom line is that reality is where objectivity lives. So go there often and listen closely. I always tell my teams, it doesn’t really matter what any of us think – what matters is what buyers believe. Talk to people outside of your company, outside of your partners and channels or your best customers. Get outside your comfort zone of familiar folks who tell you the same things over and over again. Go look for some fresh perspectives. Apply them to your situation and adapt if you need to.

Shoot those Sacred Cows.Challenge everything you believe, ask questions, debate everything and debate it again. Don’t automatically follow the strategy or process you defined a year ago. Ask yourself "What is true today?" Sacred Cows keep us stuck in our once objective, now subjective, past. Shoot 'em.

Be contrary. If you're in a team environment, have a debate. Have part of the team defend the status quo viewpoint. Then have some other folks defend different perspectives that are contrary to that status quo. Appoint some neutral referees if you have a peppy team, and start the conversation. The objecive is to explore every possible aspect, from all the angles.

We all lose our objectivity. That's part of being human.



I lost mine as I began the process of writing Defy Gravity. I was so clear when I started down my new path. I would write my book, publish it myself, promote it my way and transition to writing, speaking and consulting with the support of my clients. But so many associates strongly protested that I needed a NY publisher. It was the only way to be successful as a first-time author. So I hired an agent and started pitching pub houses. They wanted major changes, a much more tactical book. That was not what I wanted to write, so after umpteenth changes to my proposal, I finally drew the line on what I was willing to do - and what I wasn’t willing to change. When I did, my agent fired me. WOW.

It was the best thing that could’ve happened to me. I ended up with the perfect publisher, Greenleaf Book Group.They loved my content and were excited to work with me. They’ve combined the best of self-publishing with the best of a publishing house. I’m ecstatic with the results - and I hope you will be too when Defy Gravity release September 14.

Once I was with Greenleaf it didn’t take me long to realized I’d lost my objectivity about my own career path. I’d listened to everyone else, followed the traditional and known path. I’d slipped into the very status quo thinking that I’ve helped clients conquer. All because I let my passion be diluted by the voices of others.

Lesson learned. At least this time...

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Article Tags: defy gravity, follow your customer, herd, objective focus, objectivity, passion, passion shade, perspectives, remain objective, stay objective



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