Words matter...a lot! What we choose to put out in the world in the many ways we express ourselves is a "vote" for the person we want to be. What these words mean to you become your anchor to your core values.
Here are some thoughts for your consideration...
Balance and Integration
When you think about it, trying to achieve a work/life balance is not possible. There isn't work and life, work is part of life. A big part but not the only thing. What we should strive for is the integration of all things important for our lives. Approaching it as work/life integration seems more healthy to me.
Alignment and Consensus
Going after consensus is effort wasted. You're never going to make everyone "happy" about anything. You wouldn't want to anyway, that's boring. Encourage some contrarian perspectives and strive for alignment before you go out and make the world a little better than it was before.
Persuasion and Influence
Persuasion is in the bucket of "tricks of the trade" for me. Unless you want to project coercion and persuasion it's all about influence. Sharing your stories, intentions, and perspectives connects authentically with others. Be true to yourself and go for the influence of engaging and inspiring.
Motivate and Inspire
Let's be honest, nobody can motivate another person to do something. Our job must be to find out what they are already motivated to do and then inspire them to blend their efforts with others toward a common goal.
Engagement and Thriving
Gallup has been measuring workplace engagement for over 30 years. In their 2023 report, 3 out of 10 people are engaged at work. So, that means 7 out of 10 aren't. Maybe we should pay more attention to aspects that support conditions where people can thrive. These might be empathy, trust, respect, positivity, and loyalty. Reflect on what is being rewarded in your organization/team because that's the message you're sending about what you want to be repeated. The expression of the culture you want.
Honest and Respectful
Please keep these together! Honesty without tact is cruelty. Glossing over something hurts the relationship. You can be honest and respectful in all your communication. Don't get caught up in either/or thinking, dare to do both. It's worth it for everyone!
Leadership and Management
Shout it from the rooftops...we lead people and manage stuff. It's time to get very clear about this. Management skills are different from leadership skills. Developing them is different. Let's start using the right one for what we're doing. Stuff has no feelings so you can manage it all you want. Everyone you lead is someone's precious child who deserves to be cared for and loved. Leading is a privilege. Train to manage, educate to lead.
Make the "votes" count for who you want to be!
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