Goal Setting

 

Happiness - how to have it

 

• Happy people put effort into building solid relationships and they enjoy spending time with loved ones
• Happy people do not deal with difficult situations alone; they share their problems with others
• Happy people don’t pay attention to how others live
• Afternoon naps can boost cognitive performance and make your output consistent throughout the day
• When your brain is naturally unique, there is no point in comparing yourself to others
• Listening to music while working is an investment in productivity
• Happiness isn’t necessarily about how much we have but about how much we appreciate what little we have
• What you focus on grows into who you are; where your mind goes, your emotions flows
• Your sense of self-worth, joy and belonging are all enhanced by having a clear sense of purpose

Active Listening

 

Five Steps to Active Listening

1. Stop multitasking – We’re all basically programmed to glance at our phones when bored. When the conversation counts, put the phone away. Taking notes is an exception to the multitasking rule. That’s actually a plus. If you use a notes app on your phone, let them know that’s what you’re doing.
2. Listen with your eyes – A lot of communication is non-verbal. A person’s posture, hands, and facial expressions all complement the story they tell. Besides, nothing says “I’m listening” like eye contact.
3. Engage with questions – Great listeners interrupt. Yep, you heard that right. The right questions help the speaker unlock their topic. They move the dialogue along and open new avenues to explore. Just don’t hijack the conversation to talk about yourself.
4. Encourage non-verbally – Whether or not you're paying attention, the speaker is watching you. Are you nodding your head or fidgeting with your stuff? Are you leaning into the conversation or shifting back with your arms crossed? Just as you are aware of their body language, be cognizant of your own.
5. Paraphrase and clarify – When the other person has finished sharing, confirm you heard them correctly. Summarize what you heard to make sure you got it right. It can also help clarify the next step. A client or coworker may have shared a challenge because they need your help. A spouse may have shared a problem because they need your sympathy. Even if you nailed everything up to now, you can still fail by misreading their intentions.

Almost 2,000 years ago, Epictetus advised, “We have two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak.” In today’s hectic business environment, we’d be well-served to take heed.

One question to ponder in your thinking time: How can I be more present for the conversations that count?

No-vember – The Essence of Focus

 “People think focus means saying yes to the thing you've got to focus on. But that's not what it means at all. It means saying no to the hundred other good ideas that there are. You have to pick carefully. I'm actually as proud of the things we haven't done as the things I have done. Innovation is saying no to 1,000 things.”

– Steve Jobs

No-vember – The Essence of Focus

When you take on too many commitments, you short-circuit your effectiveness. You juggle priorities in various states of completion. Balls get dropped. Deadlines appear in the rearview mirror. Actually doing something well feels like a luxury reserved for others. The solution, of course, is focus. But that is easier said than done. That’s why this year we’re putting the “No” in November. All month, the TwentyPercenter will feature articles on how you can devote more time and energy to the things that matter.

The first step is understanding how focus works.

For most of my life, I thought focus was a spotlight. The object of my attention standing on a dark stage in the bright halo of my concentration. The reality is quite the opposite. Focus is a filter. Our brains are constantly bombarded with stimuli – sounds, sensations, odors, sights, and stray thoughts. Focus sieves out the extraneous and, like a blackout poem, blots out everything in the background until only our intention is illuminated. The essence of focus is saying “no.”

It’s also saying “yes” to something in a wholly uncommon way. Truly saying “yes” is a lot like saying “I do.” We understand this commitment comes to the exclusion of all others. We remove ourselves from the crowd. We bunker into a quiet, temptation-free setting. In fact, the easiest way to commit to our “yes” is to eliminate the necessity of actively saying “no.”

So now you know. Focus isn’t a spotlight, it’s a filter. When we over-commit, we dilute our effectiveness. A “yes” should be precious. And when we pledge ourselves to a task, our environment should support our promise. The fewer distractions we allow, the more empowered we are. Welcome to No-vember.

Ready to get started? Kicking those leftover Halloween KitKats to the curb is a great way to dip your toe in saying no! Next week, we’ll explore why we don’t say “no” and how to say it more effortlessly.

One question to ponder in your thinking time: How can I become a person with fewer, more powerful commitments?

Make an Impact!

7 Must-Avoid Traits If You Want to Lead By Example

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1. Complaining:

Negativity from a leader can be demoralizing for employees. As a leader, it's important to inspire and provide guidance. Instead of criticizing and complaining, focus on understanding and forgiveness. Dale Carnegie aptly stated, "Any fool can criticize, condemn, and complain—and most fools do."

2‍. Failing to learn the art of criticism:

Mistakes are inevitable, but how leaders handle them determines their maturity as leaders. Destructive criticism can demotivate the team, while constructive criticism offers an opportunity for growth. Acknowledge strengths and provide feedback that is helpful and transformative, fostering a positive work environment.

3‍. Failure to listen:

Listening is a valuable skill that leaders must cultivate. Henry Ford recognized the importance of having people who challenged his thinking on his board. Leaders who overlook the power of listening are likely to face obstacles in their leadership journey.

4‍. Lack of vision:

Leaders must stay attuned to the changing landscape of business. Failing to anticipate shifts in the industry can have detrimental consequences. Companies like Blockbuster, Yahoo, and Kodak fell victim to their inability to adapt. Leaders should keep their eyes and ears open, taking decisive action when they sense changes on the horizon.

‍5. Indecisiveness:

In a fast-paced business environment, indecisiveness can hinder productivity. Leaders should develop the ability to make timely decisions, even if they turn out to be incorrect. Taking action allows for course correction and prevents paralysis within the team.

‍6. Failure to study:

Successful leaders recognize the value of continuous learning. They prioritize personal growth by reading books, articles, and gaining knowledge from various sources. Walt Disney once said, "There is more treasure in books than in all the pirate's loot on Treasure Island." By feeding their minds with ideas and inspiration, leaders foster a mindset conducive to success.

‍7. Dodging accountability:

Leaders must embrace accountability. When mistakes occur within the organization, the leader should take responsibility. Avoiding accountability sets a dangerous precedent and erodes trust. By owning up to mistakes and working to rectify them, leaders demonstrate integrity and encourage a culture of responsibility.

How to Get Your Own Growth Mindset

 

How to Get Your Own Growth Mindset

1. First, we should acknowledge our setbacks or unfavorable circumstances. We don’t want to call them failures, though. Instead, think of them as learning opportunities. Marvel at the process more than the results. Jackie Joyner-Kersee, a track and field athlete and Olympic gold medalist, once said, “I derive just as much happiness from the process as from the results. I don't mind losing as long as I see improvement...If I lose, I just go back to the track and work some more.” Learn to think more like Joyner-Kersee and enjoy the process instead of simply focusing on the outcomes.
2. Second, we want to acknowledge any shame that might accompany those learning opportunities. This is a key step because it alleviates lingering embarrassment.
3. Next, laugh it off! You can either laugh it off by yourself, or with others. We recommend finding others who are non-judgmental and supportive who you can laugh with. This helps normalize laughing at your setbacks and helps give you perspective.
4. Reflect. Reflect. Reflect. If your setback took place in a business setting, make sure to take note of it so you can avoid it in the future.

Lastly, and most importantly, stay curious. If you are reading this, you’re doing a great job of that already!

 

Leadership with Emotional Intelligence

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Emotional intelligence is a vital aspect of effective leadership that goes beyond technical expertise and strategic know-how. As a leader, developing your emotional intelligence can help you navigate the complexities of the workplace, build strong relationships, and inspire your team members to achieve their full potential. By honing your emotional intelligence, you gain a secret sauce that sets exceptional leaders apart from the rest.

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One fundamental element of emotional intelligence is empathy. Empathy involves the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. As a leader, mastering empathy allows you to connect with your team members on a deeper level. By putting yourself in their shoes and comprehending their experiences, you can build trust and cultivate meaningful connections. Actively listening, asking open-ended questions, and demonstrating genuine curiosity are practices that enhance empathy and create a positive work culture.

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Another essential aspect of emotional intelligence is self-awareness and self-regulation. Being self-aware means understanding your own emotions and reactions. It requires taking a moment to reflect on your thoughts and emotions, especially in stressful situations. By acknowledging your emotions, you can work towards managing them effectively and making conscious decisions rather than being driven by impulsive reactions. Demonstrating calmness under pressure instills confidence in your team and establishes you as a reliable leader.

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Enhancing your social skills is another way to boost emotional intelligence. Connecting with your employees on a human level involves being a good listener and an effective communicator. Showing genuine interest in their lives and offering support when needed fosters a sense of camaraderie and strengthens relationships. Additionally, humor can be a powerful tool in the emotional intelligence arsenal. Appropriately using humor can diffuse tension, build rapport, and create a positive work environment. By sprinkling laughter into your interactions, you can boost morale and build stronger connections with others.

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Fostering strong relationships is integral to effective leadership. Nonverbal cues and body language play a significant role in communication. Paying attention to these cues, both your own and your employees', helps you understand how others feel and respond accordingly. When providing feedback, it is crucial to be empathetic and tactful. Focus on specific behaviors and their impact rather than criticizing individuals. The "sandwich" technique, which involves starting with positive feedback, addressing areas for improvement, and ending with encouragement, creates a culture of continuous growth and development in the workplace.

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Understanding individual motivation is yet another facet of emotional intelligence. Recognizing what drives your employees on an individual level allows you to tailor your approach to their needs. Different people are motivated by different incentives, such as money, recognition, or personal growth. Cultivating a growth mindset within your organization and embracing failure as a learning opportunity further encourages motivation and development. Building a support network of mentors and peers who can provide guidance and motivation during challenging times is also beneficial.

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It is crucial to use emotional intelligence for the greater good and lead with strong morals and values. Leading with heart and wit means leveraging emotional intelligence to connect deeply with others, inspire loyalty, and create a positive work culture. By embracing emotional intelligence and continuously developing these skills, you can become an unstoppable leader in the ever-changing world of business.

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Emotional intelligence is a powerful tool that elevates leadership effectiveness. By mastering empathy, developing self-awareness and self-regulation, enhancing social skills, fostering strong relationships, and understanding motivation, leaders can unlock their full potential and inspire their teams to achieve greatness. Embracing emotional intelligence leads to stronger connections, a positive work culture, and success in the dynamic business landscape. So, invest in your emotional intelligence, lead with authenticity and empathy, and watch your leadership journey soar to new horizons.