E + R = O
This thought on leadership comes from Brian Kight at Focus3.
The mathematical principle of equality tells us that both sides of the equal sign must, well, equal each other. If we want to change one side of the equation, we have to change the other side.
In this equation “E” stands for “Events”. Events are external to us, we can’t control them. “O” stands for “Outcome”. An event happens to us and it causes a particular outcome. So, mathematically, if we want to change the “O” in this equation, the only thing we can do is change the “R”.
The “R” in this equation stands for “Response”. It’s how we respond to the events in our lives that determines the outcomes we get.
Suppose the “E” in your life is that the place where your club meets closes or won’t let you meet there anymore. How you respond to that event can radically alter your outcome. Do nothing and - your club closes. Rally everyone together to find a new meeting place and maybe you end up with more members than you had before.
This applies to your personal life as well. Your boss reprimands you or gives you a poor performance review. You can be bitter about it and claim they’re out to get you or, you can do some soul-searching. Were they right? Could you improve your performance? It might be the difference between being promoted and being fired.
At home, your child is acting out and misbehaving. Do you ground or punish them? Or do you take time to talk with them to try and find out what the underlying issue is?
Things are going to happen to us in our life, things we can’t control. Just remember that the secret is in how you respond to those events.
The mathematical principle of equality tells us that both sides of the equal sign must, well, equal each other. If we want to change one side of the equation, we have to change the other side.
In this equation “E” stands for “Events”. Events are external to us, we can’t control them. “O” stands for “Outcome”. An event happens to us and it causes a particular outcome. So, mathematically, if we want to change the “O” in this equation, the only thing we can do is change the “R”.
The “R” in this equation stands for “Response”. It’s how we respond to the events in our lives that determines the outcomes we get.
Suppose the “E” in your life is that the place where your club meets closes or won’t let you meet there anymore. How you respond to that event can radically alter your outcome. Do nothing and - your club closes. Rally everyone together to find a new meeting place and maybe you end up with more members than you had before.
This applies to your personal life as well. Your boss reprimands you or gives you a poor performance review. You can be bitter about it and claim they’re out to get you or, you can do some soul-searching. Were they right? Could you improve your performance? It might be the difference between being promoted and being fired.
At home, your child is acting out and misbehaving. Do you ground or punish them? Or do you take time to talk with them to try and find out what the underlying issue is?
Things are going to happen to us in our life, things we can’t control. Just remember that the secret is in how you respond to those events.
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