©2017 Switch and Shift, LLC
You – and your team – are better because of your mistakes. Mistakes – and the messages we take away from those experiences – is valuable feedback that propels us forward as we grow and learn as people. The problem is all too often, we find ourselves hiding our flaws from others. But veiling or denying our missteps doesn’t serve us well. A false mask of perfection is nearly impossible to maintain, and almost always something others can see through.
Optimism, joy, purpose and exhilaration are key inputs into doing work that matters. Work that matters is possible when a team, even an organization, shares the experience of it. It is also possible when you can stand alone knowing why your work is important even when you face skeptics, doubters or even haters. Work that matters is a calling. It’s practical. It’s possible.
Champ was my canine companion, my soulmate, my BFF. A unique mix of St. Bernard and German Shepherd, he was a wonderful blend of speed, power and gentle spirit. I cried for three days when he passed away during my teen years, and I’m still emotional today as I write this article. So, what strategic business principles and leadership lessons can we, as leaders and coaches of our organizations, learn from Champ’s life? Much more than you might think.
According to a report by Microsoft, from 2000 to 2015 the average attention span has decreased from 12 seconds to 8 seconds — just one second shorter than that of a goldfish. And it’s not just teenagers hooked to their devices who suffer from distractions in the digital age; adults’ focus is waning, too. Mindfulness is one approach mega-corporations like Google, Apple, and others use to spark employee creativity, improve focus and increase productivity.
Next time you attend a meeting, notice how people interact with their mobile phones. Is it appropriate for them to read emails if the meeting is boring? Are those who keep their phones out of eyesight more conscientious about how it influences conversations? What impact does either of these actions have on the meeting’s effectiveness? There is growing interest in better understanding the effects of technology on our social skills. This includes understanding how the digital era affects our mental and physical well-being, including personal happiness.
Innovation has become imperative for companies of all sizes – whether Fortune 500 or “mom and pop” businesses. Skilled leaders ask, “How can we provide something for our customers no one else can? How can our be processes more efficient than anyone else’s? How can we increase employee engagement so they think outside the box?”
Do you ever feel confused about what employee recognition is really all about? I want to help you get unstuck – in fact, I want you to think about recognition in a completely different way. But first, let’s do a quick dive into to the world of employee recognition. Then, I promise to give you a perspective on recognition you might not have considered before.
A good business needs to maximize the use of every tool in its arsenal. However, one major tool often goes underappreciated: the creation and reinforcement of learning communities. Learning communities are one of the most powerful driving forces for change and improvement within a company, and their successful implementation can result in a stronger workforce.
As a leader, you already understand the importance of focus. It’s the reason you’re able to stay on track and make great strides toward achieving your objectives. But staying focused isn’t easy. Every day, new distractions, challenges, problems, and interruptions threaten to derail you from tackling your to-do list. It’s hard to protect yourself from the noise. Focus helps you stay on task so you can meet your objectives.
The months of August and September are often associated with “Back To School. The hard reality is education doesn’t magically stop when you close your textbooks and walk across the stage to receive your diploma. Learning is a lifelong process and continuing education is an important part of professional growth and mental fitness.
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