“Can I give you some feedback?” (Insert groan and the thought that a root canal is preferable.) The word “feedback” is loaded with negative connotations, yet we all need feedback to perform well. Every professional athlete has a coach for just that reason. No worries – I have some tried and true tips for you!
I am an Idea Machine – Ideation is my number one StrengthsFinder® talent. While I was watching TV on Monday, I saw a marvelous GE commercial on how the corporate world responds to people who generate ideas. It absolutely knocked me off my feet. The Idea is represented by a creature that looks like an offspring between Big Bird and a peacock. It is repeatedly kicked to the curb, locked out of the building, and trashed as being undesirable until, morose and deflated, it walks through the doors of GE.
In honor of America’s Labor Day holiday, I’m celebrating people who labor less to achieve more. These talented individuals leverage their strengths. Case in point: Usain Bolt runs the 100 meter dash in 41 steps, fewer steps than anyone else in the race. 100 meters divided by 41 = 2.44 meters per stride. For those of us who went to Romeo High School, that equals eight feet. Eight FEET! With each stride, Bolt covers ground that is longer than some cars! This gives him a distinct competitive advantage. He labors less to win more – which is exactly what you should be doing to achieve your maximum potential. Here are a few thought starters.
Stupid is not a nice word. However, after reading about an Olympic athlete who refused to shake hands with a competitor and was sent home for poor sportsmanship, and some intriguing new information about the robbery in Rio, I was transported back to January 2, 2016 when sports analyst Trevor Matich shared his theory on the Rule of Stupids. Matich said, “Don’t do stupid things, in stupid places, at stupid times, around stupid people.” Consider the number of careers, companies and relationships that might have been saved by the Rule of Stupids!
Have you ever re-imagined your workplace? Said to yourself, “What if…?” or thought about how much more engaged and happier you might be if just a few things changed? Well, I’ve got two wonderful men that you need to meet. They reimagine work for a living!
