The donut theory

The one characteristic of great leaders and talented managers is to achieve great results, above average in their organizations. The impact of these results is given frequently in the form of donuts. And let me explain. We all know what a 'donut' is: a bun with a hole in the center and an outer round and mushy. The 'donut' is a way to express and find the balance and integration between what we do and what we could do or be: between duty and devotion.

In its internal part is our area of responsibilities and obligations. The set of duties to be fulfilled and which are set by the organization. This is what we are commanded and what is expected of us. Not complying this means failure. But to observe them does not necessarily mean success. Success is not the opposite nor reverse to failure.

The mushy area of donuts, the donut around the hole, contains our area of possibilities, freedom and opportunity. There are thousands of things in this area that are not commanded or forbidden. But here they are, paradoxically, the main keys to success and the contribution and impact on the organization and in our career. It's about taking initiative, take risks, identify opportunities and take advantage: no waiting for the angels to fly in front of us to hold them by the ankles, but get them. Nobody will punish or criticize us for not doing it, but we will not succeed unless we try.

In addition to dedication, commitment and tireless fighter morale, the talented director has many features that differentiate the merely excellent professional right: total surrender, action and risk improvement, perseverance and courage, ability to seize opportunities, leadership, and sense of enjoyment. All of them are not written or in your contract or job description. Not part of their duties and obligations, but what he could do, not because others demand it, but because it is demanded by himself.
The best and most exquisite essences and qualities that a professional can bring to an organization belong to what people will only give if they want. This can not be bought or sold but given away generously and comes from the bottom of the heart.

The times that we have delivered more excitement to a project and devoted to it without haggling of time and effort, and which have been significant milestones in our career and our life, didn’t have anything to do with the duties of our position and, much less to the wage. There were choices from the free exercise of our will, where we have applied our best talent, giving much more than what was asked, with total commitment, dedication and generosity, expecting nothing in return and satisfying the hunger of the spirit and our needs to exquisite development.

What matters is the journey not the arrival. The goal is the journey. This is what is in the mushy part of our rich and donuts.

By Jose Medina