12.14.2015 Interview with Warren Macdonald
One of your keynotes is called “The Power of Perception”. How can perception influence teamwork?
Perception forms the basis of how we see the world; our attitudes; our engagement; everything stems from perception. A team needs to be aligned in it’s objective to achieve the results they need to achieve, so if one or more team members differ on the vision of where they’re headed, that’s going to be a problem. The thing is, we can change the way we see. We start by questioning our perception.
Why do you like to talk about teamwork?
I actually don’t talk a lot about teamwork. I touch on it, but my aim in any presentation is to empower each individual to be their best; to play a bigger game. A group of empowered individuals in an empowered team. The accident that made you a double above-knee amputee must have been incredibly difficult to overcome.
How was it possible for you to find the motivation to continue with mountaineering afterwards?
Now that is a big question, and why I wrote my book “A Test of Will”. The short answer is that I accepted what had happened quite quickly. When we don’t accept, we get stuck. Then, as I overcame each obstacle before me, I wanted to know what else I might be able to do. When you do that, then the challenges and accomplishments keep getting bigger and bigger. Next thing you know, you’re climbing a mountain.
Who is your keynote “Next Level Quality of Care: A Patient’s Testimony” tailored for and why?
It’s tailored for front line healthcare workers. People who are stressed and overworked and often forget why they got into healthcare in the first place. To help people. I remind them of the difference they make in peoples lives and that the work they do matters.
Can you provide three tips on how to build resilience for both business and personal growth?
- Practice resilience. Look for any opportunity that stretches you; that takes you outside of your comfort zone.
- Don’t get too comfortable. Just because times are good doesn’t mean we should get lazy. Somebody is watching and looking to take a part of your business.
- Don’t let things get too complicated. Reassess from time to time the things you do, be it personal habits, or process in the workplace. We often add layers of complexity to the things we do and overcomplicate things. Less is more. Stay lean and agile.’