Hi

 

When I was thinking about this newsletter this morning, I found myself thinking about different types of leaders. Some of them excellent and inspirational (Obama, Mandela and others er, not so much so e.g. David Brent of The Office :-)

I have recently been reading  Martha Beck's blog about the "team" and the idea of leading from below. And then I've decided to explore that idea a bit more here

Microeconomy vs Macroeconomy: I've asked quite a few people how they are doing and I've been surprised by the number of people who have admitted that business has fallen, that perhaps work is not as easy to get but that they are generally holding their own. That's pretty different to the gloomfest on the media. Many of them knew people who had been let go but there was a definite contrast between the macro and their personal economy. So before buying into the gloom...ask yourself how bad your situation really is and let your actions and speech reflect your reality.

Leading from below: Ask yourself how can you contribute to making your workplace a happier, kinder place to be. I had a client who made a choice to be kinder and friendlier to a man that most people seemed to ignore and found that (a) he was a much kinder man than he had been given credit for and (b) she noticed that her colleagues attitude to him began to change to. Don't make the excuse that you are *only* a ....whatever. You *can* make a difference. Look around today and see how you can do that. And if you want inspiration...what about the janitor in Scrubs!

Ask what you can do for your company: Now I suspect some of you are muttering about doing anything for this lousy business that doesn't acknowledge you etc but if you are an employee, the chances are your boss is feeling strained as well. Why not consider (a) approaching them and offering to do some brainstorming around ideas for more business or (b) ask them how you can help. Now, I'm not suggesting that you immediately offer to work 40 extra hours for free (:-) . Your LIFE is more important than your job but you may be surprised by how well received this suggestion will be. After all, would you rather have your problems or Brian Cowen's  (Taoiseach/PM of Ireland) problems?

Tell yourself the truth and ask for help: If  you are in a tough situation, don't pretend, reach out for help. Reality is always kinder than your mind and in general people will respond generously and kindly. If you are worried about your bank repayments, the sooner you go to the bank and seek guidance, the easier it will be. I know the inclination is to just freeze and hope it will go away...but it won't you know.

What would Nelson Mandela do? Now let's face of it, most of us have not grown up in a society that despises us for the colour of our skin and throws us in prison for 27 years and still retain the capacity to lead but Nelson Mandela did. I'm not suggesting that you choose him as your role model but at work, consider choosing someone who inspires you and ask what they would do in this situation. This may be peculiarly liberating...

 

Take Action!

What would you really like to change at work? Have more kindness, more responsibility, less whinging and complaining? Well, model this new behaviour. No, there won't be a flash of lightning in your organisation, but after a week there will be tiny shoots of change...and in a year...prepare to be surprised by the power of YOUR choices...

Workshops available (further information available on request)

Take care of yourself and we are still looking for people if you would care to join us on the amazing Social Traffic journey (check out www.socialtraffic.biz ) for more information.

 

As always, your comments and observations are most welcome!

Go raibh maith agat & Slán

 

Anne