Cool. Calm. Collected. A 007 approach to life.

I thought a look at an approach for personal development that takes its cue from James Bond himself would be in order. I use this idea as a way for my clients to build a visualisation of the application of skill sets.

Although a highly trained, intelligent lone-wolf in the field, Bond is a free thinking, socially adept character that can transition from an explosive environment into a tuxedo at a cocktail party smoothly. Intense when the situation demands, witty when an opportunity presents itself, Bond is aware of the operating environment and acts accordingly. To achieve this, there must be a balanced mix of technical, intellectual, social and emotional development as well as deep situational awareness in order to recognise and play the appropriate move at the right time.

In the work arena, most investment is placed on the technical and intellectual requirements. Development of the social and emotional core can round-out skill sets and play a pivotal role in creating, maintaining, shifting and strengthening professional positions, relationships and results. Is there a benefit of being a little Bond-like in the office? Can you become: Cool, calm, collected?

Be Cool:

This is about design. For this case in particular, the design of movements both physical and mental. The world may not be enough, but wastage is too much. Great design takes complexity and simplifies it for application. When applied to personal processes, this path creates a combination of efficiency and effectiveness to move seamlessly from situation to situation. It isn't laziness, quite the opposite. It takes hard work and deep skill to make something easy. When resources are tight and investment requirements high, savings in redundant movement can be allocated to more pressing needs. Being cool means that with minimal, purposeful action, objectives are achieved and the next challenge is free to approach. To do this, one needs to be more than a professional, they need to be an expert. Someone who continually develops skill sets to match ever-changing environmental needs.

Bond, the epitome of cool. Watch him move. Fluid, precise action, decisive thinking, energy expenditure as necessary.

Personal Skills to address:
Process Improvement, Innovation, Body Language, Problem Solving, Performance Management, Self Leadership, Troubleshooting

Stay Calm:

The sky may be falling, but the heartbeat is unfaltering. Stoic behaviour is often mistaken for insensitivity but this is far from the reality. This is a prioritisation of resources to deal with tasks at hand efficiently. A panicked mind cannot focus clearly, evaluates poorly and acts erratically; thereby creating the home of habit and fear, the true state of insensitivity. Remaining calm allows for conditions to be accurately read, tools utilised and skills applied to effectively deal with the given circumstances. To remain calm, personal understanding needs to be developed which is done through self-awareness. Know yourself, know the rival.

Bond, calm in the eye of chaos yet always present, always ready to act.

Personal Skills to address:
Emotional Management, Stress Management, Self Confidence, Resilience, Dispute Resolution,Taking Criticism, Situational Awareness, Self Awareness

Get Collected:

Skill sets trained, tested and catalogued. Thoughts processed, investigated and prioritised. To be collected, the inventory needs to be known, and the unknown has to to be factored. This means the toolbox is maintained and each piece is understood from both the theoretical and physical perspectives. The cards held by another player may be hidden and the unexpected is likely to happen, but with the ace of adaptability, on-the-fly modifications can handle the situation.

Bond, acts with trained instinct when possible, tailors sharply and immediately when required.

Personal Skills to address:
Adaptability, Organisation, Planning, Conflict Resolution, Strategic Planning, Self Assessment, Critical Thinking

Enjoy the Journey

Cool, calm and collected is not isolated to the fictitious world of Hollywood espionage. It can be a continual process of awareness of the self, the operating environment and influences within. Sensitivity to the large and small picture simultaneously can be developed as well as the prioritisation of requirements and the expansion of skills. It is purposeful action led by an ever-moving mind being driven by a meaning-filled core.

There is always risk, uncertainty, surprise and failure. Clear vision, effective evaluation and timely decisions are the key to survival. Understanding and making moves towards these is the key to enjoyment.

There is a reason Bond orders his martini "Shaken, no stirred"

Taraz