I'm back in the race. And this time, I'm doing it differently.
I've learned so much over the last 6 months. November 4th I left one company. I was challenged to figure out what was failing for me in that work experience, communicating it clearly to all stakeholders, and then identifying solutions. I was going so fast on the treadmill of getting the work done, that a clear and thorough inventory of my part, the part of other stakeholders and a good look at the environment was impossible. It was too hard to slow down and do the inventory. And, I started looking at it much later than I should have.
Lesson learned: take regular inventory, especially when things are good. Identify what's going well, what's failing and come together with stakeholders and identify mutually satisfactory solutions. Do it early. Sometimes, we get to place where feelings and psychology become intractable and then it's almost too late to identify potential solutions. I commit to regular inventories and communication.
My values are important and how I work well is unique. So, it's important for me to communicate that in the contract with my manager. It serves nobody to try to pretend to work one way and do things one way, when I'm trying to do "my way" in combo. So it will be important to talk this through. Company cultures have drifted to the get in, work at your desk all day, barely take any breaks, and push through the last hours to get everything done and dash out. Many organizational groups operate on an almost fire drill basis everyday generating a culture of anxiety action. It's inefficient, taxing on the human being and wasteful. It's throwing away human capital, teaming and potential. It fails to capitalize on human strengths. I propose the morning huddle, the identification of priorities, and giving employees great autonomy around the HOW of work. Deepening the creativity with which employees solve challenges and projects sparks their intelligence at work and reduces brain turn-off at work. Breaks I believe are crucial: each day, and during the year. The rejuvenation allows greater productivity in less time, and allows employees to enjoy their work experiences as part of their lives. Finally, help employees to identify ways to interact with others in the organization in non-work forums AND allow ample time for life outside the organization. The cross-pollination of human connection and ideas across life disciplines and org charts creates richer company life. It serves nobody to generate workaholism. Nobody.
These are things I believe. And in the past, I've pretended to be a pure worker bee. These last six months have taught me about human fragility and how precious and tender we are. I know for sure I am. I was never the machine I thought I was. So that sense of compassion and care for myself AND OTHERS will be a huge step forward. Add mutual dependence, honesty and ongoing dialogue about these types of things within HR AND the rest of the organization: and colleagues have TEAM potential.
I am excited about this new adventure. And it's quite nice that today feels like summer: my favorite season of the year.
I've learned so much over the last 6 months. November 4th I left one company. I was challenged to figure out what was failing for me in that work experience, communicating it clearly to all stakeholders, and then identifying solutions. I was going so fast on the treadmill of getting the work done, that a clear and thorough inventory of my part, the part of other stakeholders and a good look at the environment was impossible. It was too hard to slow down and do the inventory. And, I started looking at it much later than I should have.
Lesson learned: take regular inventory, especially when things are good. Identify what's going well, what's failing and come together with stakeholders and identify mutually satisfactory solutions. Do it early. Sometimes, we get to place where feelings and psychology become intractable and then it's almost too late to identify potential solutions. I commit to regular inventories and communication.
My values are important and how I work well is unique. So, it's important for me to communicate that in the contract with my manager. It serves nobody to try to pretend to work one way and do things one way, when I'm trying to do "my way" in combo. So it will be important to talk this through. Company cultures have drifted to the get in, work at your desk all day, barely take any breaks, and push through the last hours to get everything done and dash out. Many organizational groups operate on an almost fire drill basis everyday generating a culture of anxiety action. It's inefficient, taxing on the human being and wasteful. It's throwing away human capital, teaming and potential. It fails to capitalize on human strengths. I propose the morning huddle, the identification of priorities, and giving employees great autonomy around the HOW of work. Deepening the creativity with which employees solve challenges and projects sparks their intelligence at work and reduces brain turn-off at work. Breaks I believe are crucial: each day, and during the year. The rejuvenation allows greater productivity in less time, and allows employees to enjoy their work experiences as part of their lives. Finally, help employees to identify ways to interact with others in the organization in non-work forums AND allow ample time for life outside the organization. The cross-pollination of human connection and ideas across life disciplines and org charts creates richer company life. It serves nobody to generate workaholism. Nobody.
These are things I believe. And in the past, I've pretended to be a pure worker bee. These last six months have taught me about human fragility and how precious and tender we are. I know for sure I am. I was never the machine I thought I was. So that sense of compassion and care for myself AND OTHERS will be a huge step forward. Add mutual dependence, honesty and ongoing dialogue about these types of things within HR AND the rest of the organization: and colleagues have TEAM potential.
I am excited about this new adventure. And it's quite nice that today feels like summer: my favorite season of the year.
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