Giving 110%
Giving 110% plus is easy when we are passionate about our work or project. The 110% plus comes naturally if the job is a natural fit for the needed skill set. When the passion is lacking, what can be done to create it? If passion is lacking because of time constraints and task overload, take a break from it. Whether you leave for an hour or half of a day, not thinking about the work will result in the energy needed. Passion and the drive to succeed needs to be organic or burn out occurs.
Today, more than ever in the professional and personal world:
A loss, whether the death of a family member or loss of a job, is difficult for everyone involved. Most desire to give comfort. That could mean not saying anything but instead giving a hug (if you are close). Other words are I am sorry for your loss or for this difficult time. Never give the impression you understand what they are going through because you are not them. Offer your comfort simply and with empathy.
Recognize that sharks are folks who use their power positions to ensure they will succeed, especially during a conflict or in a competition. Some sharks have developed through the environment they were born into. They manipulate people / situations and are masters at spin. Staying aware and taking precautions will help you avoid sharks by just staying out of their way.
Giving someone a second chance is critical for long term survival and success. Mistakes and not so smart decisions happen to everyone. What matters is how we recover by giving others and ourselves a second chance. The folks who continue to dwell on their mistakes and wrongs done by others will never reach their full potential. It is good to learn from our mistakes and then let them go by allowing and embracing a second chance.
Personal external and internal brand impacts need to connect with others and the environment. For example, you can sell the best tasting hot dogs but if the group you’re in is vegetarian not only will the offering not work, it might even be ridiculed. Showing up and projecting your best is just the foundation. You also need to create a splash in sounds, actions, and delivering what is valued to establish an effective brand impact.
The challenge when beginning a new leadership role, is to build a new and not destroy the current structure. Yes, destroying seems to be the method these days because the old can appear stagnant. There is a better method of understanding the organization and its players that includes a deep study to determine the next step that will help the organization or team be effective. Creating havoc causes confusion and creates an uncomfortable view which in turns creates a backlash. The cure can be worse than the problem. If you are going to be a destroyer, be sure to have plan B in case the remains cannot be used to move forward.
Each of us need to find a way to stay motivated and open for fresh ideas and strategies to apply to our work or personal life. These are the five things that continue work for me:
In a perfect world, mistakes are never made. However, in the real-world, mistakes are critical to growth and learning. It is also important to recognize that when a mistake is made, an apology might be needed. Apologies can be verbal or written. Sometimes, even a gift is sent with a note. The most important element is that the apology is offered. Too many times that does not occur, and that becomes the real mistake.
