5 min read

Life Is Short…Even In Its Longest Days

Sep 4, 2015 6:30:00 AM

Today we’re sharing insight from guest blogger Cindy Riemersma, Chief Operating Officer at 80/20 Inc. We hope you enjoy Cindy’s wisdom and perspective.

Growth_-_Cindy_RiemersmaIn life and leadership we know not what we will face. But each and every day we have control of our actions and reactions, and therefore the overall outcome. How can we learn to better handle the challenges today or tomorrow might throw at us? What can we do, personally and professionally, to take control of our actions and reactions? I have compiled a list of five of the more helpful, and sometimes less obvious, insights I’ve gained over the years.

#1 - There Is Power In Paradigms

A paradigm is our belief system or viewpoint of a situation, task, event, or person. We’re scripted in our paradigms by our upbringing. Let me share some examples you may have heard growing up: “Big boys don’t cry” (therefore boys grow up believing they should not cry), “Blondes are dumb” (therefore blondes grow up thinking they don’t have to strive in academics because they are unable to), or “Girls are no good at sports” (so they begin to think they shouldn’t even attempt to play). Sound familiar? Think about some of the paradigms you grew up with.

No two people have the same paradigms. And you don’t get to choose with whom you work. Therefore you have to compromise to get the task accomplished. Your communication may involve project completion, servicing a customer, or resolving an issue with a dissatisfied client. Perhaps it is an employee concern or a mentoring leadership opportunity. You have to use your “glasses,” or paradigms, to help you understand what the person is saying and the message they are conveying. You have to be able to put it all out on the table – discuss it and then find common ground to get the movement you need to accomplish the end goal.

#2 – LISTEN

It is the hardest of all skills to grasp. Listening is not a technique taught very often, as most communication classes focus on the spoken word and body language. I’ve found silence is sometimes the best tool in leadership. Let the silence work its magic.

In leadership we are constantly consulted for answers. In most cases the individuals know what to do - they just need the interaction to be sure they’re on track. If we as leaders jump in and voice “how we would do it,” it changes the course ever so slightly and leaves the individual with the paradigm that they must come to us for “the answer.” Instead, we should help them foster their interaction skills by asking back to them: What would you do? This will help the individual grow in their decision making and interaction skills.

#3 – Focus On Priorities

Every decision you make should align with your core values. Day-to-day work decisions align with your corporate core, so our day-to-day choices and decisions should align with our internal core values as well as be aligned with the corporate values. The balance we have between our work life and our personal life is directly related to our focus on priorities.

#4 – Be Grateful

This is not just a platitude. On a practical level, studies show gratitude can improve your own psychological, emotional, and physical wellbeing. On the other hand, simple and sincere appreciation is the most effective form of positive reinforcement. Showing other people gratitude fuels their motivation, consistency, and morale.

It often takes practice to become comfortable expressing your gratitude. It’s worth the effort. People will feel valued and appreciated and, as an unintended side-effect, this will also increase your influence. I’m sure you have plenty of people and things you are grateful for; an effective leader will work on articulating it to himself and others.

#5 – Ask For Assistance

For many of us, asking for help once meant we were unsure of ourselves and didn’t know what to do. We thought asking for assistance showed connotations of weakness and dependency. So instead of asking, we did everything on our own.

The fact of the matter is we never truly do anything entirely on our own; and as a leader we shouldn’t want to. Openly asking for help creates opportunities for empowerment and others to share their input and talents. It promotes discussion, increases efficiency, and provides better outcomes while building trust and opening communication.

What’s The Risk?

Working on these strategies will support your personal development, increase your influence, and encourage respect while motivating your employees. On the flip side, if you continue to do what you have always done, you run the risk of alienating your team and losing effectiveness as a leader.

Personal and professional growth is an ongoing process that takes time, dedication, and patience. It is not always easy, and, at times, it can be downright difficult. When you feel like throwing in the towel, just remember: life is short….even in its longest days.

 

This content was written and shared by guest blogger, Cindy Riemersma.

Riemersma_Cindy_ppCindy Riemersma is the Chief Operating Officer of 80/20 Inc. and enjoys focusing on the short and long-term strategies and vision of the company. Her career at 80/20 Inc. began as the Human Resources Manager and she has since worn many hats on the path to Chief Operating Officer.

Cindy’s professional career started with the McDonald’s Corporation as a General Manager. From there an entrepreneurial spirit led her to open 3 Franchised Sylvan Learning Centers.

Cindy is a Covey Certified Facilitator and Development Dimensions International Facilitator. She has maintained strong ties with the community as an active member of the Women’s Business Leaders Council and serves on the Board of Directors of the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo, as well as serves on the Board of Director for Passages Inc. She has two daughters, one at home and one a senior at Notre Dame. She enjoys family time and traveling.

Connect with Cindy on Twitter and LinkedIn. Connect with 80/20 Inc. on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

Topics: Executive
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