Lecture Notes: Graham Weaver on Organizational Change

Introduction

• Speaker: Graham Weaver
• Graduated from Stanford GSB
• Experience: Relatable story of dissatisfaction in a corporate job

Key Story: The Escape Plan

• Attended a tedious offsite meeting that led to a moment of self-discovery
• Hiding in the bathroom to escape the boring presentations
• Both humorous and insightful about feeling trapped in a job
• Took off running in Napa, leading to experiences of runner's high and self-reflection

Runner's High and Self-Discovery

• Heard a voice of truth during the run
• Realization that he didn’t have to continue in an unfulfilling job
• Promised to listen to that voice moving forward

The Conflict Within

• There are two voices we all possess:
  1. Survival Instinct: Fear and doubt, leading to a life that's too small
  2. Inner Wisdom: Quieter voice representing true self, dreams, and energy
• Constant conflict between these voices leads to dissatisfaction

Three Promises to Yourself

1. Take the Nail Out of Your Head: The Unstuck Promise
   • Identify and address challenges/habits that keep you stuck
   • Types of 'nails': bad habits, unresolved past experiences, limiting beliefs
2. Follow Your Energy: Intentionally seek out activities that energize you
   • Not just following passion; energy is key
   • Exercise: "Nine Lives" to visualize alternative paths
3. Go All In: Commit fully to your choices and dreams
   • Most people hedge their decisions, leading to wasted energy and opportunity
   • Commitment removes doubts

Conclusion: Accessing Your Full Power

• Encouragement to follow energy rather than fear
• Understanding that what you want is often on the other side of your fear
• Final reflection on life's meaning: it’s about finding your own path and living fully at your own power

Life Lessons from Personal Experience

• Loss and life changes lead to self-discovery and seeking meaning
• Emphasizing the importance of personal fulfillment and 'full power' living
• The singular decision: which voice will you listen to?

Takeaway: Choose to listen to your inner wisdom, pursue what energizes you, and commit to your decisions to live fully.