Seeing with Fresh Eyes

Many leaders find it helpful to end each day in gratitude by writing down what they are thankful for. Over time, this practice shifts attention to what is working (vs. what isn't), what is accomplished (vs. not) and how precious life is (vs. isn't). Rachel Remen in her book "My Grandfather's Blessings" suggests 3 questions to experience life with fresh eyes:

1. What surprised me today?
2. What moved me or touched me today?
3. What inspired me today?

Try it each night for a month and notice what happens to how you sleep, wake up, move through your to do list, interact with others and evaluate your impact. You may find your work is filled with more meaning and humanity than you realized!

For more info check out: Rachel Remen

What are you listening for?

Have you ever considered the purpose of your communication?

When you ask questions, is it to tell people what they want to hear, to debate or show how smart you are, to reflect back what you are hearing or to illuminate our knowingness?

And what are you listening for? Is it to be liked, to identify facts and differences, to understand the experience of another or to allow a deeper wisdom to reveal itself?

Notice the difference in your relationships and results when you download, debate, dialogue or delve deep. For more check out Otto Schwarmer's work at MIT.

Touchy Feely?

Why must we continue using the words "touchy feely" to dismiss the very thing that can sustain desired results on a team?  These words are still used to describe leadership and team development efforts despite the findings that high emotional intelligence correlates to bigger salaries, innovation and sustainable business results. Strong working relationships actually reduce stress and improve productivity so why do we minimize the importance of human connection at work?

Is because we:

• Ignore or fear our own emotions?
• Enjoy zingers (humor at the expense of others)?
• Have experienced ineffective or poorly run team building events?
• Find it is easier to focus on tasks than people?
• Need a lot of personal space?
• Believe there is no place for emotions at work?
• Experience discomfort or embarrassment around people?
• Fear the reactions of others?
• Believe vulnerability is a weakness?

Make the time to explore your own thinking about human connection in the workplace and notice what beliefs, assumptions, stories or mindsets help or hinder your achievement.