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Four Questions: An Approach to Ignite your Natural Genius.
Similar
to biological DNA, every Individual or organization has
a unique personality or cultural DNA. A mapping of this
DNA can answer four essential questions that could Ignite
the Genius Within an individual or an oraganization.
By
Prasad Kaipa, Ph. D.
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I
found four important questions in working with CEOs and
senior executives in assisting them (and their organizations)
identify their unique DNA. (While the term “DNA”
--used metaphorically-- could refer to either personal DNA
or organizational DNA, in this article, I focus just on
personal DNA). By tapping into our DNA, we can find new
ways distinguish ourselves, unleash our authentic leadership,
evoke passion, harvest our creativity (potentially resulting
in new intellectual property, innovative products and services)
and build a brand. In this short article I list the four
questions, propose an integrated framework and offer some
suggestions on how to inquire into these questions to tap
into personal DNA and ignite our natural genius. Natural
genius is the source of our unique competencies and capacities
that makes us effective, creative and energetic.
The
four questions I encourage people to ask themselves are:
-
What
is my North Star (noble aspiration) that ignites both
my natural genius and that of my organization (family,
company, community or educational institution)?
-
What is my Core Incompetence? Where is my foot nailed
to the floor?
-
What triggers my energy when I feel sapped? What excites
and rejuvenates energy for me? In other words, what
is my Energy Trigger?
-
What kinds of activities, mindsets, and processes drain
my energy? What kind of Alarm System do I have to set
so that I can be effective, successful and joyful?
North
Star, Core Incompetence, Energy Trigger, and Alarm System
are four strands of our personal DNA.
What
is Personal DNA?
At Kaipa Group, we believe that it is possible to create
conscious DNA maps that represent an individual’s
(or organization’s) unique personalities (or cultures).
Although the words “personal DNA” “organizational
DNA” and “cultural DNA” are metaphoric
with respect to the actual meaning of a genetic code, they
still have the potential to affect the generative capabilities
that activate hidden codes in our biological DNA. It is
argued by some researchers that we have many more codes
that lay inactive in our genetic code (often called “junk
DNA”), and certain emotions and actions can trigger
those codes, allowing us to tap into a latent, previously
unknown inner genius. We have worked with executives and
companies such as Cisco, Mastek, Ford, Boeing to create
individualized, three-dimensional maps (pyramids or tetrahedrons
are other words we use for these maps) that are about 8
inches in size and constructed from plastic and cardboard.
We call them DNA maps or pyramids and they have been useful
in helping executives determine their unique strengths and
identify the next significant steps for themselves and their
organizations. These DNA maps can help shape the future
when used as tools in visualizing the future and clarifying
purpose. Because they are based on our unique strengths
and weaknesses and help us become aware of our latent capacities
and competencies, we call this process “igniting the
natural genius.”
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