Archive - Work RSS Feed

In Need of a Little Perspective

February 16, 2011 in Inspiration, Leadership, Work with 6 Comments

As many of you know, one of my all-time favorite books is The Noticer, by Andy Andrews.  In it, Andy shares about experiences with a mysterious man (I’d say angel) named Jones…known for being able to offer fresh perspective on life.  I’ve read the book five times, and each time, I get something new out of it.  I love how God uses the power of story to teach us lessons.

Lately, I’ve been challenged by a few issues and needed some fresh perspective. I spent time with one of my mentors and walked away from that discussion with a whole new outlook on things.  Here are a few of my takeaways from that much-needed conversation:

1. Never, ever underestimate your power in encouraging others-We know the power of community.  The power of prayer. The power of faith.  But we often forget the power of an encouraging word.  Life was spoken into me when I heard “there is no one more capable of fixing this situation than you.”  Having people in our corner isn’t only wonderful–it’s necessary. A lot of people have gone further than they thought they could because someone else believed in them.

2. Be willing to learn-When we begin to struggle with a situation, there’s usually something involved where we don’t want to give in, don’t want to let go, or are unwilling to see the other side.  When I saw how I can learn not just one thing, but several things, my whole attitude changed because I’m not losing…I am actually gaining, as long as I’m willing to look for the lessons.

3. We can’t base our self-assurance on the whims others- Ever feel like you go around the Same mountain over and over (and over) again?  I don’t consider myself a people-pleaser, but I do need to have wins, and do fall prey to caring too much what others think (and judging my actions too carefully). Carrying the weight of our own expectations can be exhausting.   It’s so much easier when we remind ourselves that God is our strong tower. Our provider. And that He has a plan for us. Jeremiah 29:11

4. Be thankful, even on the hard days-Isn’t it amazing how being thankful for the good things in our lives helps overshadow the tough patches?  Even on my worst days, I still have a job that I love, a roof over my head, friends and family who keep me grounded, and a Father who adores me.  We are truly blessed.

What thoughts do you run back to when a little perspective is needed?

Take Action

A Day in the Sweet Spot

September 21, 2010 in Inspiration, People, Work with 8 Comments

Yesterday was one of those days where I left the office feeling excited, energized…tired, but in a good way.  As I was walking to the parking lot to drive home, I pondered why I was feeling so refreshed after a long day.  I realized I’d spent most of my day smack dab in my sweet spot.  A few years ago, I read Max Lucado’s Cure for the Common Life.  The message of that book was about finding the things that make us unique-things only we can do that further God’s plan.  It stuck with me and I began paying more attention to the parts of my work and personal life that make me feel made for something unique in His plan.

It’s in those days when I know I’ve been right there in that inner circle of what I was made to do…where I serve others well…that I know true contentment.  All is well with the world.  My soul is at peace.  And it makes me wonder why I don’t fight like mad to make sure I’m there more often.

How do we make sure we’re spending time focused on the right things?  I made a list of some things I think help me:

1. Understand what really fills us-God gives us passions for a reason.  And when we’re clear on what our individual gifts are, and using them to His glory, there’s no better feeling in the world.

2. Learn to say “no”-This is harder for some than others, but in order to make space for what we do best, we have to be willing to pass on some things.  No matter our title, there are certain tasks each of us has to get done, but the only person who will ensure we’re finding time for “sweet spot work” is ourselves.

3. Stretch our comfort zones-Sometimes, it’s not until we tackle a new challenge that we learn a part of it fulfills us.  In order to grow, we must stay challenged and not allow ourselves to get too comfortable.

4. Help others around us live in their sweet spots, too-Imagine a team of people working together where each found time to live in their unique sweet spots.  Yes, there’d be some amount of ‘”grunt work” for each that still has to get done, but there’d be a spirit of passion and unity that’d be unstoppable.  We can be aware of the talents of others and encourage them to make time to fit in those sweet spot moments in their own lives.

How do you make time for your sweet spot?

Take Action

The Hardest Part of Leadership

July 30, 2010 in Leadership, Work with 9 Comments

Not too long ago, I decided to get radical.  I changed jobs, I’m starting a new business, and I found several ways to get my hands dirty.  All of this change excites me and energizes me.  But nothing could prepare me for what’s been the hardest part of leadership I’ve encountered thus far.

And that is the move from Quarterback to Coach.  It’s working through the emotions of realizing you are no longer “do-er”.  It’s being aware that a certain amount of pride was tied to all that hard work, and a “win” now looks different. And it’s getting real with yourself about how to feel successful as priorities change.

There comes a point in a career path where people move from getting the work done themselves to overseeing a team of amazing people who do the work. In my previous role where I lead a team, I still had parts of every project that were my responsibility. With this job change, things are different. I’m responsible for much, but less involved in the day to day projects; something I realize now how much I liked.

I quickly learned there is no class or course, or chat with someone older and wiser that prepares a doer with how to turn that off.  I’ve watched peers fail at moving to the coaching position and know it results in demotivated staff, nervous leadership, and early departures of qualified employees.  Knowing that potential for failure made me eager to overcome this hurdle and build a team of excited, hungry players who want to win together.

I wish there were five tips I could list for how to make this transition easy.  I’m still in the thick of learning it (and sometimes, struggling with it).  But I know the struggle means the results will be better.  Honoring the MVP has always been easy.  Stepping off the field…that takes a whole new set of skills.

What has been the hardest part of leadership for you? How’d you break through?

Take Action

I Dare You

November 10, 2009 in Inspiration, People, Work, Work/Life Balance with 11 Comments

people laughing2

Laugh a Little

My posts are usually on the more serious side.  I love learning and sharing.  But every once in a while, you just have to let the silly take over.  With that in mind, here’s an “I Dare You” that will make you laugh so hard you cry.  And hopefully, you will choose at least one on this list to do, just to make people look twice. 

ONE-POINT DARES
1.   Run one lap around the office at top speed.
2.   Ignore the first five people who say ‘good morning’ to you.
3.   Phone someone in the office you barely know, leave your name and    say,”Just called to say I can’t talk right now. Bye.”
4.   To signal the end of a conversation, clamp your hands over your ears and grimace.
5.   Leave your zipper open for one hour. If anyone points it out, say, “Sorry, I really prefer it this way.”
6.   Walk sideways to the photocopier.
7.   While riding in an elevator, gasp dramatically every time the doors open.
THREE-POINT DARES
1.    Say to your boss, “I like your style” and shoot him with double-barreled fingers.
2.    Babble incoherently at a fellow employee then ask, “Did you get all that, I don’t want to have to repeat it.”
3.    Page yourself over the intercom (do not disguise your voice).
4.    Kneel in front of the water cooler and drink directly from the nozzle (there must be a ‘non-player’ within sight).
5.    Shout random numbers while someone is counting.

FIVE POINT DARES
1.    At the end of a meeting, suggest that, for once, it would be nice to conclude with the singing of the national anthem (5 extra points if you actually launch into it yourself, 10 if you sing it through to the end).
2.   Walk into a very busy person’s office and while they watch you with growing irritation, turn the light switch on/off 10 times.
3.    For an hour, refer to everyone you speak to as “Bob.”
4.   After every sentence, say ‘Mon’ in a really bad Jamaican accent. As in “The report’s on your desk, Mon.” Keep this up for 1 hour.
5.    While an office mate is out, move their chair into the elevator.
6.    In a colleague’s DAY PLANNER, write in the 10am slot: “See how I look in tights.”(5 Extra points if it is a male, 5 more if he is your boss)
7.    Carry your keyboard over to your colleague and ask, “You wanna trade?”
8.    Repeat the following conversation 10 times to the same person: “Do you hear that?” “What?” “Never mind, it’s gone now.”
9.    Come to work in army fatigues and when asked why, say, “I can’t talk about it.”
10.   Find the vacuum and start vacuuming around your desk.
11.    During the course of a meeting, slowly edge your chair towards the door.
12.    Arrange toy figures on the table to represent each meeting attendee, move them according to the movements of their real-life counterparts.

Okay, now that you’ve had a good laugh, which one will you do??

Take Action
Page 1 of 3123»