Focus On What Works

I just read a Facebook post by Marcus Buckingham.  He’s a thought leader on “strengths” and in his post today he suggested we look back on our results from the first quarter of 2011 (Q1) and see what went well.  Then, he very simply suggests to do more of what worked in Q1 through the rest of the year.  It’s such an uncomplicated approach:  look at what works and do more of that.

Conventional leadership wisdom and total quality initiatives of the past would have us search for “gaps” in performance, systems, and processes.  Then, once we’ve identified the gaps, we can focus all our energy on fixing them.  The problem with that approach is that we then take our eye off what’s working.  We’re so busy plugging holes in the dike that we aren’t focused on keeping the rest of the dike strong and able to withstand the winds of change on the way.  Buckingham argues that we should focus on our strengths and work to leverage them.  This approach is very similar to a research concept called Appreciative Inquiry.  This is the philosophy of looking at what is “right” in an organization and creating more opportunities to do those things that bring energy, engagement, and enjoyment.

So, what made you happy in Q1?  What did you do that brought you joy, outstanding results, and a feeling of accomplishment?  For me, it was the simple act of following a plan.  I had a big project kick off right after the first of the year.  There were 6 key deliverables that required work with more than 10 subject matter experts.  I needed to make a plan and work the plan!  By having the discipline to follow my plan (instead of just flying by the seat of my pants, which I sometimes do) I’ve been able to produce results for the client with efficiency, and in some cases, ahead of schedule.

Here’s to a great rest of 2011!

Lynae

In Service to Others

Our world is spinning quite fast these days, and there are a lot of people experiencing some very hard times.  Now more than ever it’s helpful for each of us to find ways to be in service to others.  Every day, we have countless opportunities to give a little something extra to our colleagues, communities, families, and friends.  Acts of service don’t need to be heroic to make a difference.  Small things matter . . . sometimes small things can make a world of difference to someone.

Being in service to others is a philosophy and practice that benefits everyone, including ourselves.  I know that I feel empowered and capable when I do something that makes life a little easier for someone else.  When things are going on around me that are significant and out of my control, engaging in a single act of service may be the only thing I can do.  In addition, I know how grateful I am when someone extends themselves to me during a time of challenge or crisis.  It can be calming and reassuring – just what I need.

Here are some simple acts of service that might make a difference to someone today:

• Listen without judgment or comment.
• Ask: “How can I support you?”
• Jump in and join the effort without questioning “what’s in it for me?”
• Take care of more than your share of the problem.
• Be the first to volunteer for that project that no one wants.
• Instead of looking at what someone else can do, look at what you can do.
• When you see that something needs to be done, do it without being asked.
• Look people in the eye and greet them with a smile.
• Give someone else credit.
• Let others have a chance.
• Celebrate someone else’s accomplishment.

What will you do to be in service to others today?

Respectfully,

Lynae

Take Action on Your Mission

Georgine and I went to a conference in Chicago last weekend led by Marcia Wieder.  Marcia is a dream coach who founded Dream University®.  Wieder’s motto is: “Can you believe in something simply because it matters to you?  Then act on it to prove you really do.” That’s a call to action if I ever heard one!  During the conference, Marcia was coaching us on how to achieve our dreams.  But, the same principles apply to organizations who want to achieve their mission.

When Madd-Steiny works with organizations to help them achieve their mission and vision, we take them through a process similar to the one that Marcia shared with us this weekend.  What I really appreciate about Marcia’s process is the laser-focus on moving from idea to action.  The graphic depicts Marcia’s process:

• Mission – Determine who you are as an organization.  What are your values?
• Vision – Identify the mark you want to make in the world.  What outcome do you want to create?
• Goals – Define the objectives you must achieve to move you forward on your mission.  What are the major milestones you need to meet?
• Scheduling – Break up your goals into achievable projects.  What are the baby steps to reaching your milestones?

During the conference, the overarching message that resonated with me was “take action”.  Knowing who you are and the outcome you want to achieve is definitely important.  What’s most important, though, is taking action.  Do something every day, no matter how small, to move you forward toward your mission.

Lynae