Heard at a recent leadership webinar I attended…
“Experience isn’t worth anything –
it’s the reflection on that experience that counts.
If we don’t reflect, we’re choosing not to get wiser”
In amongst some theory about wisdom (perhaps too much theory if you ask me), that statement stood out, and I couldn’t stop thinking about it all afternoon.
So, why is reflection such a big deal?
So, whether you’re optimistic about 2022 or feeling as knackered as when you finished last year… I think we can all agree that the pace isn’t slowing. We’ve given up on waiting for more certainty to get stuff done so we’re on with the strategy and turning plans into action. But is something holding you back? Something that’s stopping you kicking off that project or starting that goal?
Give or receive meaningful feedback in less time than it takes to make a soft-boiled egg?
You betcha!
One of the things my best mate likes about me is that I’m not afraid to (politely) ask for what I want. (Accepting, of course, that I may not always get it). This is often helped by a side-order of cheek – I can’t help it, it’s genetic.
Let me just say for the record – I know you’re fabulous. I know you’re uniquely skilled to do what you do, and they’d be lost without you…
(Yes, you guessed it, there’s a ‘but’ coming)
…but…what makes you think it’s all down to you?
Picture the scene: I’m on my way to work with an amazing client and facilitate their workshop. The prep is done, the agenda is set, and I’m ready!
I had the rare experience a couple of weeks ago of coming close to losing my cool.
In the same 4-hour period I had an emotional personal blow, an annoying work blow, some (helpful) but very direct feedback that felt like a sucker punch and, finally, a scheduling nightmare (not my creation) on a very important meeting.
Layering in additional stuff just leads to distraction and overwhelm. All organisations have a finite capacity for change – regardless of how much money you choose to throw at it.
It might not surprise you to know that one of my most annoying habits as a child (I’m told there were several) was relentlessly asking why.
I didn’t accept anything on face value. And the arbitrary ‘because I said so’ was like a red rag to a bull to me.
What have you learned about making change stick in the pandemic?
