Encouraging Greatness

Office Politics And The Hard Truth

Yep, every office has its politics and backwards ways of getting things done. The people that have been with the company a while usually understand these games that need to be played to get things done. But does that really help to get things done? How much time and energy, which equates to money, are wasted in corporations every day because you just can't have an open conversation about the right way to do things? I would hate to know what that number is.

I believe that the best way to deal with a problem is head on. It might not seem like the easiest way but usually that is because we as humans usually don't like confrontation or just aren't good at it so it gets personal. If you take the approach to have an honest conversation with someone when things aren't working I guarantee things will work out better and quicker.

Now, I am not advocating for "bull in the china shop" methodologies. There is still respect that is due to the people you are working with. But don't be afraid to say what you are honestly feeling and that your desire is not to attack someone or their idea. If it isn't about getting better then you are doing it for the wrong reasons. In the end, if everyone isn't on the same page for improving the company then the hard truth is it might be time to look for a place that does want to work together to get better

A Nudge Is All It Takes

There is no single rule on how people are motivated. Different types of people can motivate some and not others. Reading inspirational stories are great for some. Hearing speakers, learning new things, solving a tough problem. Some of you are saying those are boring, frustrating or the last thing you would want to do. Yet they can all be motivators.

The biggest motivators though are simple little nudges that keep you going and keep you honest. All of us can accomplish great things in our lives, many of us just lack the consistent motivation. We start off strong, wanting to make a change and keep it up for days or weeks, but old habits persist. We skip a day, or fall back into our old patterns. Sometimes, all it takes to keep on the path we want is a nudge. A friend to keep us honest. A boss that challenges us when we fall behind and praises us when we keep at something. A mantra that we hang on our office wall that reminds us of what we want to achieve.

What do you use, when you have a goal, to keep nudging you when some days are harder than others?

Hidden Talents And Hidden Passions

Chris Bailey wrote some thoughts about Hidden Talents that I encourage you to take a look at. As Chris describes them, hidden talents are unique skills or abilities that an employee brings to the job that aren't part of their job description. His comments on how that plays into our own job satisfaction or fulfillment really struck me.

While most workers are supplied with a job description, that’s often not enough. Many of us feel a strong pull toward fulfilling our own sense of “occupational identity” that is much more robust and unique to our own particular talents.

For me, a strong pull I feel is towards my hidden passion, which is what I speak to on this site. I'm curious if it truly is a hidden talent or just a passion, but most of the time I believe the two go hand in hand. The jobs I've held in the past 3 years have not needed work in organizational development, employee interaction and culture. Yet I find myself in many conversations where those exact topics come up and I start speaking to my knowledge and passion in those areas. I've been told it is a benefit to bring that additional insight into my job, that I look at and care about those topics are helpful since not everyone looks at things that way.

I encourage you to think about or discover your hidden talents and your hidden passions. Chris is planning a series on uncovering and utilizing your hidden talents that I'm looking forward to reading that may be helpful to you. I believe that whatever may be hidden in you needs to be uncovered and there is a place for it in your job. Finding a way to utilize your talents and passion is one step towards greatness.

Are You A Complainer? Here's What You Can Do

I know you have been in this situation, I have been so many times I've lost count. There are two sides to it, one is you are the one complaining and the other is you are the person being complained to. There can be good things that come out from these types of interactions. It is good to have a person or a select group of people to talk through when something frustrates you. Talking through it will help you get a more well rounded perspective on things or ensure that what you see is something worth making an issue out of. The problems start when the only person you ever talk to doesn't actually help you change anything.

We all get caught up in politics and stupid things that happen at work. Every time there is a problem you shouldn't run to your manager. However, there are legitimate issues that happen at work that are hard to discuss. Realistically, telling the truth is hard. Nothing ever changes though unless you take action. So, the next time you find yourself in a situation like this, here are 5 tips on taking a productive approach in dealing with the issue.

1. Talk with your manager - Explain to them you have some concerns and you aren't sure how to approach it. State that you aren't looking for them to solve the problem but you are looking for some input on how to deal with it. The advantage to this approach is it isn't dumping the problem on your manager but it raises awareness without you complaining to them. It also shows some initiative that you want to solve the problem but are humble enough to ask for help.
2. Talk with the person - Face it, the vast majority of our problems are with individuals. By sitting down with the person and saying that you are a little concerned with their decision, work, etc. you can open up a dialog to solve the problem. I like to open with a statement such as, "Can I talk with you about Project X? I'm a little concerned about it because it isn't on schedule and I'm wondering what we can do to get it back on track." It is a very open way of dealing with the issue and shows that you aren't accusing the person of doing anything wrong.
3. Offer to help - Sometimes things aren't getting done like you would like simply because of other factors. Simply ask, "Is there anything I can help with or you need me to do differently to help you out?" Take all of your time spent complaining and invest it in helping get the project done. Ignore the fact that it isn't part of your job. It impacts you as much as the next person if your company is struggling.
4. Stop the complaining in others - Complainers usually feed off of each other. The next time you are in a situation where you hear complaints, ask, "So what should we do to fix it?" Listening to complainers is like buying an alcoholic a drink, probably not the best move you could make.
5. Always have a solution - If you need to complain or see a problem, go ahead and talk about it, as long as you have a valid solution. Every company has problems. All individuals have conflicts. Do something about them. If you come with a solution, even if it isn't the solution chosen you won't be labeled a complainer. You will be viewed as someone that recognizes problems and works to solve them.

Work should be fun. Challenges should be viewed as opportunities. The successful companies are those that take action on the problems and turn them around. It is hard to be successful when everyone is huddled around the water cooler complaining about how unsuccessful you are. What are you going to do to help your company be successful?

Taking Risks

When you think about taking risks you probably tell yourself that you are okay taking risks, accept some calculated risks or are the type that hates risk and will do whatever you can to minimize it. We are all wired differently. I for one am a person that does not like taking risks. I talk about starting my own business but I want something that will guarantee my income so I can support my family, there is too much risk.

On the business side, companies are made up of individuals, therefore the risk tolerance in a company is usually a factor of the risk tolerance of the individuals leading the company. I've seen companies that talk about taking risks and don't follow through. One of the key areas of risk taking in a business is defining and more importantly choosing a strategy. It is a risk to be selective. However, isn't it more of a risk not to define your company?

You are no different than any company. You have to make choices and select how you stand out. There are never going to be perfect jobs, perfect lives or perfect people. Making choices is about taking risks. Having a strategy is about taking risks. Choosing to be the best person you can be is not a risk, it is your best chance of standing out, being significant and succeeding. Will some people not agree with you? Probably. Will some jobs not be the right place for you? Maybe. But the alternative should be much more frightening to you.