Just wanted to wish everyone a very happy christmas.
Have a wonderful break, indulge yourself; spend time with loved ones; and be ready to come back in the New Year re-energised and passionate about the year ahead!
What do you think of when you hear the word momentum? I think of movement, motion, action, progress. In fact the dictionary definition of momentum is “impetus gained by movement.”
I believe that one of the biggest things missing in many people’s lives today is momentum - that impetus you need to keep moving forward. Once you gain momentum, continued movement becomes easier. But it doesn’t happen all by itself, and it doesn’t happen overnight!
It needs you to start taking actions, to take the small steps that put you in motion. These small steps initially lead to small gains; but these small gains in turn eventually lead to bigger gains, because you’re using the power of momentum.
So, where do you need to gain momentum? And what’s stopping you?
In the words of one of my mentors - “You don’t have to get it right, you just have to get it going!”
Gain momentum and watch your life, your leadership role, your business, even your world change.
I believe the best leaders all have an inner passion and desire to be the best they can be in whatever they do. They know that they can learn from everyone and every situation if their minds are open to the possibility.
They continue to grow as people and as leaders, and they are true advocates of personal and professional development.
They know that those who actively seek out new experiences and those who take action and learn
from their mistakes, are more likely to be successful than those who prefer to stay within their comfort zone, and protect what they have and where they’ve got to!
They value their journey as much as or more than their ultimate destination.
I’ve just rediscovered a short piece summarising the presentation given by Robin Sieger, Success Strategist, at the CIPD (Chartered Institute of Personnal & Development) Scottish conference in the past year.
He talked of influencing not being just a matter of words and actions, but about how you make people feel.
He challenged delegates to think about one of their school teachers and remember what they said or did….
I’ve just done this and my History teacher immediately sprang to mind - I can’t really remember her actual words or specific actions, but what I did capture so well was her presence.
She was always extrememly animated and passionate about her subject and the pupils she was teaching, and certainly succeeded in making me feel totally involved in the life and times of the people we were studying.
She made history alive, real and highly relevant to me. She captivated my interest and made me feel connected, important, special, even privileged.
What a great lesson that is to the way we should think about ‘winning friends and influencing people’ for those of us in leadership positions; whether we’re parents, managers or leaders of a social group. The way we influence best is by making the other person feel special, good, happy, enthused or inspired.
So, maybe we shouldn’t be focusing so much on what we want to say or do, bur rather on how we want people to feel. That way we might have a much better chance of success!
I’m actually on holiday at the moment, and have been reflecting on how essential it is as a business leader or manager to make the time to have a break; to switch off; to find something to do that will recharge your batteries, increase your energy levels and reignite your passion.
This is important as we often assume that our own energy reserves are limitless, even when we know this isn’t the case for others!
The biggest issue for many is the continuous drain not just of mental energy, but of emotional and spiritual energy as well. You know what I mean when your days are filled with tasks that don’t excite you, or even tasks that you positively dislike! The amount of energy tied up in thinking and worrying about these can actually be greater than the mental or physical energy required to get them done!
Anyway… recognising that this is occurring is a good first step to doing something about it. So, if your energy levels are low and you can’t remember what passion feels like, then stop……..and do something about it - take a break, take a holiday, go for a walk, do some exercise, eat lunch away from your desk.
Be a leader and do what it takes to maintain your energy and passion.
If you want to make a difference, whether it’s in the world generally, in your country, your community, your company, or even just in your family – start with yourself – make some changes and put your own house in order.
It’s only by taking care of things close at hand; doing the small things that will make a difference on a personal level - whether its in relation to your job, your finances, relationships, health or wellbeing - only then can you impact positively on those around you and ultimately on humanity.
Remember, if you ‘think globally, then act locally’ – you’ll be in a much better position to actually make a difference!
I’ve just been skimming the news section of the ILM’s magazine “Edge” (ILM = Institute of Leadership & Management) and came across this item.
Apparently recent research shows that almost a third of managers regard key elements of their role, such as supporting and developing staff, as ‘discretionary’ and outside the day to day remit of their jobs i.e. it’s extra work on top of everything else they’re supposed to do!
This means that people are not a priority to them; and they’re often encouraged in this mindset by employers who don’t measure or reward performance in these areas.
If you’re a manager or employer what’s this mindset costing you?
…………I wonder if these are the same managers mentioned in another survey in this section who “breed worried workers”?
I’ve just been reflecting on the last few weeks and how easy it is to get complacent about work/life balance until life reminds you how important it is! Of course I’m talking about it’s importance to me personally, although I know I’m not alone!
For me, figuring out the right balance was one of the catalysts for starting my coaching business - to help others not make the same mistakes I made, to lose sight of their priorities and live an unbalanced life that leads to fatigue, stress, unhappiness, or worse.
I’ve had an extremely busy and emotional 14 days since getting a call from my Mum to say that Dad had been admitted to hospital with heart problems - this was exacerbated by them being in London visiting my brother and his family (my parents live in North East England close to us!)
It’s been such an emotional rollercoaster ride through anxiety, worry, fear, relief, despair, and joy (following 2 major operations)- that it has consumed my thoughts and feelings to the detriment of almost everything else…..including work. Now as I write this I recognise that this is is not altogether true, as I’ve been able to rearrange work appointments where necessary. I’ve also managed (with my immediate family’s help) to keep the wider family informed and to maintain my most important family and household duties.
Where I know I need to pay attention in my business going forwrad is in setting up enough systems and support mechanisms that work without me, or with limited input (e.g. automating more of my communications with potential clients so that I don’t lose momentum or potential sales; outsourcing more of the technical and financial tasks to allow me to focus on more income generating activities.)
On the ‘life’ side I need to re-establish my usual fitness regime and get more sleep so that I’m emotionally and physically able to support my parents when they return home. And of course, I need to go easy on myself for a while….after all, I have a wonderfully supportive husband and 2 teenagers who’ve rallied round amazingly well - it’s made me a very proud Mum!
My outer circumstances have not been great recently, but as I reflect on my situation, I can see that this has been another great learning experience, as I recognise and spend time with those closest to me; and as I strive to lead the life I want, run a successful business and be happy!
It’s all a matter of perspective; the way you think about life!
During the course of my working day yesterday I was struck by how difficult it can be to get clarity on an issue.
We can get so bogged down in the minutiae of life that it’s easy to forget the big picture; and until we can ‘get’ that big picture and the clarity that comes with it, it can be almost impossible to focus.
Of course I recognise this in myself, even if sometimes belatedly - but hey, whoever said coaches should be superhuman? Just because we can recognise confused thinking in clients and can lead them to clarify their thoughts and feelings on particular issues, this doesn’t mean that we don’t sometimes need outside help ourselves.
My breakthrough came yesterday when I was asked by a client and mentor “what I was holding onto?” This one question lead me to acknowledge my feelings and the way I’d been thinking about the issue. It lead to clarity, which leads to focus, and it let me see that I needed to “re-energise.”
In short, it highlighted the benefits of a good coach, someone who can listen empathically and cut to the core of an issue with an incisive question. A question that you would never normally ask yourself in those circumstances.
So what issues are you struggling with currently? Who could provide a new perspective or challenge you with a different way of looking at the issue? I’m so pleased and privileged to be able to provide these benefits to clients in my role as Business & Executive Coach - if you need some help please post a comment, or visit my site to see how I can help you get clarity.
I came across this lovely poem by Audrey Hepburn - famous actress and UN Ambassador - and thought I’d share it with you on my birthday!
“For attractive lips, speak words of kindness.
For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people.
For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry.
For beautiful hair, let a child run his/her fingers through it once a day.
For poise, walk with the knowledge that you never walk alone. People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed and redeemed; never throw out anyone.
Remember, if you ever need a helping hand, you will find one at the end of each of your arms. As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands; one for helping yourself, and the other for helping others.”