My Hedgehog Concept
I just read a book by Jim Collins called "Good to Great," which summarizes the findings of a research project based on the question "What can a good company do to become a great company?" Though case studies of some of America's greatest (Walgreens, Wells Fargo, Gillette, etc.) and comparison companies who did not share the same success, Collins and his team determined that the foundation for greatness is laid by hiring the right people, confronting the brutal facts of reality, and never losing hope that you can persevere. The leader of the organization also must be a Level 5 (which means that they are humble, honest, and determined-- the kind of person who takes no credit for successes but is willing to take all of the blame for failures).
Cool, but why should you care? Well, one of the major concepts of this book, the Hedgehog Concept, is applicable to individuals as well as businesses. After establishing the groundwork that I mentioned before, a company must develop a Hedgehog Concept in order to make the transition from good to great. This can take years. The Hedgehog Concept is a three part Ven diagram that includes the following questions: 1. What can you be the best in the world at? 2. What are you passionate about? 3. What drives your economic engine?
As you can see, these questions can be used by individuals too in times of self-discovery, which is how I intend to use them momentarily. I want to discover my own Hedgehog concept. (I'm sure you're wondering about the name, "Hedgehog"... I don't want to go into the explanation, but basically it symbolizes the importance of simplicity). Once you find the overlapping content in the center of your Ven diagram, you will be successful if you base all of your decisions on this concept moving forward.
I'd advise you to take some time and draw out your own Hedgehog Concept, but for now, here's mine:
What can I be the best in the world at? As a side note, it's sad how I can think of so many things I'm BAD at, but when you ask me what I'm good at it's REALLY difficult.
Listening to people's problems-- validating their feelings while providing a rational non-biased perspective
Writing (certain things...)
Organizing
Sharing what I've learned with others (teaching?)
Nutrition
What am I passionate about?
Helping other people deal with the struggle of the human condition (and seeing the positive impact of my work)
Education
Writing
Music
Nutrition
What drives my economic engine?
.....
That one is tough. I've yet to figure it out yet. I don't want a lot of money, just enough to live comfortably and help provide for a family someday. I don't have the ambition to be a big executive; work is just work to me. This question is the missing piece in my Hedgehog Concept, because if it weren't for the money factor I'd already be a writer, teacher, or clinician. But none of those things pay well, so here I am, trying to figure out my career path. It's too bad all of the things I'm good at and passionate about don't pay well. Back to the drawing board.
