What’s Your Dream?

Dec

11

2008

An Interview

By Matthew Kelly

Today I did an interview with The Marker, one of Israel's leading business magazines, and I thought I would share my answers with you.

1. What is the importance of dreams in one's personal life and how can it project onto a business?

We are driven by our dreams. Nothing animates the human person (or a country, business, team, family, or marriage) like the pursuit of a dream. Our work is not always going to be intrinsically meaningful, but in one way or another it should lead us a step closer to our dreams.

2. What is the role of a workplace (if there is role at all) in making worker's dreams come true?

If we want to really successfully manage people, we need to have a sense of who they are and what they value. Knowing what people's dreams are allows us to engage them on a whole different level. A Dream Manager, as you discover in the book, is like the ultimate life-coach, helping people identify, strategize, and fulfill their dreams. If you do this for your employees, they are going to work differently toward you, your business, each other, and the customer.

3. What is a dream journal, and what is its value for the dreamers?

Just a journal that I have to write all my dreams in. Things I want to do, be, and have. I also put my favorite quotes in it, or something like a picture of something I would like to buy someday. It's just a place to dream on paper, but it is so important that we get our dreams down on paper. Less than 1% of people have ever made a list of their dreams. But those that make the list are those that tend to achieve their dreams.

4. Could you please tell me a little bit about the role of a Dream Manger, and could every company afford such a position?

A Dream Manager meets with employees and helps them develop a personal strategic plan. A plan for their lives. We all need someone like this in our lives. Nobody goes to the Olympics without a coach. If we want to perform at a high level in life, we need a coach. And more than that, we need a Dream Manager.

5. A dream is a subjective idea with a broad interpretation. Should or could a company help its employees to pursue them?

Yes, everybody has different dreams. But the company's role is not to accomplish the dream for the employees, but primarily to encourage them, and to help out in other small ways.

6. What is your fantasy?

I have many dreams. I would love to walk the Great Wall of China, run a marathon, get married and have a family, spend more time at the beach, write a book that really affects the culture... But fantasies... I'm not sure I have a fantasy. Perhaps I am too practical.

7. Considering today's financial climate, aren't dreams just plain luxuries?

No. Today, in these circumstances, it is more important than ever to dream. Everything great in history has been built on the idea that the future can be bigger than the past. It is now during these times that we need to become a people of possibility again... and envision a bigger future. Then, go out and work to make that bigger, better future a reality.

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