Ben Zander Shares His 6 Secrets to Success

Posted By: Robyn Greenspan
Filed Under: world business forum, robyn greenspan, leadership, motivation, inspiration, ben zander

Comments (1)

I wish that I were effectively able to convey to you what a roomful of Ben Zander energy feels like. I wish I could have you hear him lead thousands of executives to sing happy birthday to a complete stranger or Ode to Joy in German. I wish you could see 350 hungry business leaders let their lunches grow cold as they sat transfixed and hanging onto his words.

That was the spirit at the 2011 World Business Forum, where ExecuNet exclusively reported, and where the conductor of the Boston Philharmonic spent upwards of two hours presenting in a hangar-like space at the Javits Center, and separately at a private VIP luncheon. While I can't share the complete experience with you, I can impart Zander's secrets to success, which I hope helps guide you toward your business goals.

Visualize your role as a leader, not as the central figure of control, but getting players to explore the possibilities. When you make a mistake, or others do, respond with "How fascinating!" and don't place blame.
Opportunities always lie in reframing the question and examining the assumptions you and your teammates are taking for granted and don't realize you are making. Anyone in the organization can identify and challenge assumptions, so get started today and engage in the exploration.
You'll never live a full life complaining. Today's reality often seems fixed with strong competition and grim goals. Take the perspective of "what if" and "what's next" and never lose sight of the broader vision.
Distinguish the "downward spiral" from "radiating possibilities," reliably and consistently. When things are defined as WIN/LOSE you constrain possibilities.
The secret to life is "all is invented" and "all is in the perception and framed in your perspective."
Remember Rule #6 (when others are overcome by problems): "Don't take yourself so seriously." Essentially, turn everything to a positive and never complain, and you will stay closer to the track that will open possibilities. Tension never releases possibilities.

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Robyn Greenspan's avatar Robyn Greenspan
Robyn Greenspan is the Editor-in-Chief at ExecuNet, where she is responsible for setting and driving the editorial content engagement strategy across the private business network's publications and expert-led programming. She is also a Huffington Post blogger. You can follow her on Twitter @RobynGreenspan