Changing a Behavior Takes Deliberate Effort…

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We all need to grow and develop, and that often means changing some well-worn behaviors. But how exactly do you do that, especially when you know how hard behavior change can be? Try following these four steps.

  1. Increase your self-awareness. You can only change your behavior when you’re aware of how it’s perceived by others and of the thoughts and feelings you experience as you attempt to change. Regularly seek feedback, and be wary of any instincts that feedback is either unnecessary or inappropriate. Noticing such thoughts is the first step to overcoming them.
  2. Make commitments. This will raise the likelihood that you’ll follow through. Tell other people—a coach, peer, or team member—what you’re hoping to work on.
  3. Overcome interference. Watch out for thoughts that might derail your intentions, like “Do I need to change that behavior? I’ve succeeded so far.” These defensive feelings are normal, but you need to recognize them for what they are: interference.
  4. Practice. It’s rare to set an objective for personal change, choose a path, and execute it with no trouble. Successful change usually requires trial and error, which takes deliberate practice. So start small and thoughtfully try out the change and learn from your experience.

How to Pitch an Unconventional Idea…

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Challenging the status quo can lead to innovation and process improvements at work. But it can feel risky to speak up and share unconventional ideas. Here are some steps to help you start the conversation—and increase your chances of success.

Be prepared for the right opportunity. Odds are that it will be an informal or chance encounter that allows you to introduce your idea. You never know when you might have the ear of the right stakeholder, so if you have a great pitch, keep it in your back pocket.

Ask for permission. When the opportunity presents itself, explicitly ask for permission to raise your idea. For example, “May I have your permission to push back on this?” or “Do you mind if I offer a different perspective?” or “May I suggest another way to look at this?” This allows you to position your interaction as a contribution, not a confrontation.

Frame your idea as a question. Packaging your pitch as an inquiry will invite a conversation rather than a defensive response. Your tone should be curious, not contradictory.

Be poised, humble, and sincere. Remember that respect diffuses defensiveness, and humor de-escalates tension. If the topic is sensitive, raise it privately. Show your stakeholders that you’re acting in good faith and that you’re open to their concerns and objections. 

Communicating Difficult Decisions When You Can’t Be Fully Transparent…

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When you have to communicate a difficult organizational decision, it’s hard to know how much information to provide, particularly when you can’t be fully transparent yet. Saying nothing can undermine people’s trust, and saying too much can leave people feeling overwhelmed. You can strike the balance by being candid—up to a point.

Frame the situation’s context clearly so people understand why the organization is considering big changes. Explain that you’ll be as transparent as possible, use plain language (not corporate-speak), and respond to questions. People appreciate honesty, even if the message is incomplete or not what they want to hear. Be precise about what you can say now and when you’ll say more, providing an overall timeline for the process. But avoid giving people running commentary as developments unfold; it can lead to unhelpful distractions and take up considerable management time.

If possible, let employees in on the options you’re considering, showing the logic behind your coming actions. This builds trust and helps mitigate the anxiety they may be feeling as they consider every combination of eventualities (including catastrophic ones). It also prevents them from feeling caught by surprise when you announce the final set of changes.

The Elements of a Healthy Team Culture…

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The culture of a team—the habits and behavioral norms among its members—has a big impact on its performance. Every leader knows they need to build a strong team culture, but what does that entail? There are three key elements you need to develop and protect, according to research.

  • Psychological safety. Do team members feel safe expressing themselves, speaking up when they have questions or concerns, disagreeing with each other, and making mistakes? When they do, diverse perspectives emerge and people are more likely to intervene and state their opinions or concerns before errors occur.
  • Common goals. Everyone should understand how their expertise and responsibilities contribute to the team’s overall performance and its place within the broader organizational context.
  • Prosocial purpose. Knowing the purpose of their work isn’t enough; employees also want to know who their work is serving. When team members know that they’re making a valuable contribution to the world and producing work that positively impacts others, they feel prosocial purpose, which, in turn, fuels collective focus and motivation.

Career Setbacks Are Opportunities to Grow…

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You’ll likely face a setback or two at some point in your career. Maybe you’ll be passed over for a promotion or job you want or even be laid off. But short-term setbacks can actually fuel long-term success. Here’s how to grow through a difficult moment in your career.

First, explore whether your career goals truly fit your current aspirations, skills, and knowledge. Reflect and be honest with yourself if they’re in need of an update. And if you find they are, consider what pivots you’ll need to make to help you achieve these new goals.

Then, open yourself to unorthodox opportunities in your wider field. Once you let go of self-imposed boundaries that constrain you, new pathways will open up. Ask yourself what aspects of your work you’ve enjoyed the most, and what other settings your skill set could be useful in. Tap into your network and have conversations with people inside your industry—and beyond—to think through what an unorthodox move could look like.

Finally, develop new habits that reflect a growth mindset. Use this setback as a motivator to learn about yourself and improve in ways that serve you. That could mean building a new daily routine, going back to school (or taking a course), building your network—or anything else that might help you grow into the next chapter of your career.

Show Appreciation for Your Team on a Daily Basis…

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It’s one thing to tell someone you appreciate them, but showing appreciation through your daily actions and behaviors can be even more impactful. Here are some simple ways you can show your team you value them, especially amid the day-to-day grind.

Show your appreciation for people’s presence. Greet people by name when they arrive at the office or join a meeting—and say goodbye when they leave. It may sound like simple common courtesy, but these small gestures add up to a culture of respect and appreciation. 

Show your appreciation for people’s ideas and contributions. Nurture a culture of sharing ideas by calling on people, particularly those who are more junior or typically quiet, for their input in meetings. Honor their ideas and expertise by giving them credit—for example, “Maria is actually the one who came up with the idea for this project and has been leading the team to make the result happen.”

Show your appreciation for people’s lives outside of work. For your employees to feel appreciated, they need to know that you understand their passions, priorities, and responsibilities outside of work. Take the time to ask about your direct reports’ weekends, holidays, and hobbies. Learn about their families, kids, and what they do for fun. And above all, respect work-life boundaries.

How to become a more adaptive learner

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In today’s rapidly changing world, the ability to learn and adapt is more crucial than ever. Learning agility, the art of mastering new skills and translating experiences into tools for success in novel situations stands as a cornerstone for those aiming to become exemplary employees and leaders. Here are three pivotal areas to cultivate to become a more agile learner.

Venturing into the New

The first step in enhancing learning agility is to evaluate your comfort with novelty. How frequently do you venture into uncharted territory? Reflect on the last time you stepped beyond the familiar confines of your expertise. Adapting to change is like a muscle; the more you use it, the stronger it becomes. Embrace the beginner’s mindset and view every shift in plans or priorities as a chance to flex this muscle. By seeking opportunities that nudge you from your comfort zone, you begin to thrive in adaptation, turning the unknown into a landscape of possibilities.

Empathy in Diversity

Understanding others, especially when views diverge, is another dimension of learning agility. Assess your confidence during complex dialogues. Does your career network include individuals with diverse experiences and thought processes? The wealth of perspectives they offer can dramatically broaden your understanding of the world. Strive to listen more and talk less. Position yourself as a learner, not an expert, in conversations. This practice enriches your perspective, fostering a culture of shared learning and growth.

The Mirror of Self-Awareness

Lastly, genuine self-awareness can illuminate your path to agile learning. How do you react to seeking assistance or receiving feedback? Consider the ripple effects of your actions within a team. Engaging in honest dialogues with colleagues can provide invaluable insights. Ask them, “What has been my impact on our team?” and compare their observations with your self-assessment. Discrepancies between how you perceive your actions and their effects are crucial learning points. They pinpoint exactly where your efforts to adapt and grow should be concentrated.

In summary, agility in learning is not just about accumulating knowledge; it’s a holistic approach that involves stepping bravely into new experiences, valuing diverse perspectives, and cultivating a keen sense of self-awareness. By focusing on these three areas, you equip yourself to navigate the complexities of the modern workplace with grace and effectiveness. The journey to becoming an agile learner is ongoing and ever-evolving, but with each step, you open new doors to personal and professional development.

Building a Golden Bridge for Your Opponent to Retreat Across…

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Create a clipart image that symbolizes the concept of 'Building a Golden Bridge for Your Opponent to Retreat Across,' inspired by Sun Tzu's 'The Art of War.' The image should depict a golden bridge extending from one side to another, signifying a dignified retreat path in a conflict situation. On one side of the bridge, there should be a figure representing an individual or party in a stance that suggests readiness to resolve conflict, and on the opposite side, a figure symbolizing the opponent, considering the path provided. The overall atmosphere should convey respect, understanding, and the preservation of future relationships, with a backdrop that emphasizes a peaceful resolution.

“Building a Golden Bridge for Your Opponent to Retreat Across” is a concept derived from Sun Tzu’s “The Art of War,” emphasizing the importance of providing adversaries with a dignified way to withdraw from a conflict situation.

This approach not only resolves the immediate dispute but also preserves the relationship for future interactions. The “golden bridge” symbolizes a pathway filled with respect and understanding, allowing the opponent to retreat without feeling defeated or humiliated.

By implementing this strategy in both personal and professional conflicts, parties can find a peaceful resolution that maintains the integrity and dignity of all involved, paving the way for constructive dialogue and collaboration in the future.

Things to worry about…

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Create a clipart image that visually represents the concept of 'things to worry about'. The image should depict a person sitting at a desk, surrounded by a cloud of various symbols representing common worries such as time, money, health, and relationships. The person appears overwhelmed and deep in thought, illustrating the burden of stress and anxiety. The style should be simplistic and symbolic, suitable for conveying the theme of managing multiple concerns in a relatable and straightforward manner.

Things to worry about:

Worry about courage
Worry about cleanliness
Worry about efficiency
Worry about skill
Worry about learning
Worry about reading

Things not to worry about:

Don’t worry about popular opinion
Don’t worry about materialistic things
Don’t worry about the past
Don’t worry about the future
Don’t worry about growing up
Don’t worry about anybody getting ahead of you
Don’t worry about triumph
Don’t worry about failure unless it comes through your fault
Don’t worry about disappointments
Don’t worry about pleasures
Don’t worry about satisfaction

Creative Dilemma: Tools or Originality

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In the ever-evolving landscape of creativity and productivity, a unique dilemma often surfaces: the balance between leveraging external tools for efficiency and nurturing our inherent creative capabilities. On one hand, these tools offer unparalleled convenience, streamlining our processes and enhancing the quality of our output. On the other, there’s a looming risk that over-reliance on such aids might dull our creative edge, making us mere operators rather than innovators. So, how do we navigate this tightrope, ensuring that our creativity flourishes while still reaping the benefits of modern tools?

Embrace Intentional Practice

One effective strategy is to carve out dedicated times for “unplugged” creativity. Whether you’re a writer, artist, designer, or creator of any kind, periodically returning to the basics can rekindle your originality. For instance, writers might find value in the old-school charm of pen and paper for initial drafts, free from the distractions and suggestions of digital writing aids.

Use Tools as Assistants, Not Directors

It’s crucial to position external tools as supporters in your creative process, not the lead. Let your unique ideas take center stage, using tools only to polish and enhance. This approach ensures that the essence of your work remains authentically yours, augmented but not overshadowed by technology.

Commit to Continuous Learning

A commitment to lifelong learning ensures you’re not solely dependent on tools for creativity. Engage actively with your creative community, partake in workshops, and seek new knowledge. This not only broadens your horizons but also injects fresh inspiration into your work.

Be Selective and Strategic

Not all tasks necessitate the intervention of a tool. Evaluate each project on its merits, deploying tools only when they genuinely contribute value. This discernment prevents tool overuse from diluting the creative process.

Master Your Chosen Tools

Instead of spreading yourself thin across myriad tools, focus on a select few that truly resonate with your workflow. Invest time in mastering these tools, and customizing them to fit your needs. This deep understanding can make them powerful allies in your creative endeavors.

Foster Collaboration and Seek Feedback

The creative journey need not be a solitary one. Collaborate with peers, and actively seek out feedback. Fresh perspectives can spark new ideas, propelling your creativity to heights no tool can achieve.

Strive for Balance and Moderation

The key to resolving this dilemma lies in balance. Use tools to efficiently tackle repetitive tasks or overcome creative blocks, but ensure the genesis of your ideas remains purely you.

Reflect and Adjust

Regularly take stock of your creative process and the role tools play within it. This reflective practice helps you maintain a healthy balance, ensuring tools amplify your creativity rather than stifle it.

In conclusion, the creative dilemma of tool use is not about choosing between technology and raw creativity but about finding a harmonious balance that leverages the best of both worlds. By integrating thoughtful strategies into your creative process, you can enjoy the benefits of modern tools without compromising your originality, ensuring that your creativity remains as vibrant and boundless as ever.