The ‘WHERE’ we react is just as important as ‘HOW’

There is no question that we are all being asked to do and be more. With this increase in demand also comes, at times, an increase in conflict.

This conflict can occur between our perceived and predetermined roles and the disconnect between what others expect of our roles.

Our reactions and treatment of individuals in any situation is important. However, the way we react in the face of difficult people and times is just as telling as how we react behind the scene and away from those we have conflict with.

So Tell Me: How do you typically react?

Much like Leadership, Innovation, Engagement…

…Passion is one of the many sexy terms being preached in business and life. It is often argued that if you don’t have passion you will not be as engaged as those who do. Everyone has passion for something. Passion can be translated in the workforce. Some passions could make absolutely no sense in their work but it is what fuels and drives them in life. It is what can ultimately help contribute to their work.

The guy below has passion. His friend that gave him the toys knew he had passion for this as a child. While it may seem weird that a grown man has this much passion around a childhood toy it should not be considered crazy. Think about the things that drive you. As a child. As an adult.

Think about the items, moments or people that hold the deepest memories. Is there something in your present or past that builds you up?

Can you imagine if any one of your employees, friends, family members or colleagues had an ounce of the passion that this guy below had? How much could you accomplish if you knew exactly what your people hold dear… what they deem important?

So let me ask a sincere question. What is it that drives you? What was or is your passion? I would really like to know. Feel free to comment below!

I have been M.I.A over the last few weeks. For good reason. Over the last few months, my main focus at work has been in part a Leadership Development Program for four groups of individuals, a mentoring program, creating and benchmarking overall Learning and Organizational metrics and performance measures, as well as long term succession planning around a core group of Executive high potentials.

All this has caused a high influx of busy… busy… busy in my life. However, I can honestly say it has been great. Last week was the first physical session of one core group of the leadership team. A lot of nerves, time and planning went into it.

As anyone who plans, leads and facilitates any training session can tell you - the process can be exhausting. It can even be more exhausting when you are dealing with your fellow colleagues. It may be taxing on your own confidence in the job you do as well as on the unrealized and unsaid expectations of anyone involved.

Expectations are a tricky thing. They are not always measurable. Nor are they easily defined. The core function and objectives that are needed for a group to succeed are not exactly what match what they hope to receive.

Over the course of the three day session I never knew how well it was going or how bad it could have been. I think that is a consistent feeling. You want the best but prepare for the unimaginable. So as the second day began to end it was great to hear good remarks, unexpected praise as well as receive emails from the CEO saying how he heard how well it was going!

But the best thing I recieved was a hand written note (below) when I arrived at my desk this morning.

Sometimes all the planning, conversations, agreements and disagreements about what should happen… all come together when someone just expresses their appreciation.

When is the last time you showed yours for someones job well done?