Every now and then, when I’m working with a client or talking to a friend, a strange thing happens – I realize the issue they are dealing with is one that deserves attention in my own life.
Recently, I was doing strategic planning with Chad, a nice soft-spoken guy who, although he’s the boss, is always the first one to lend a hand on whatever project needs help. In fact, given how his company is growing, it seems he’s always lending a hand! The result? His schedule is too tight to have regular meetings with his team, so everyone is running around with “their hair on fire”. He says they don’t have time to meet, but what I observed from our sessions was if they were having the regular meetings we discussed, they would all be more productive and Chad’s team could actually handle things that are now cluttering his in box.
And that led me to ask myself about my own team meetings. Was I pushing them aside during our busy time and therefore making us all less effective?
A good friend is an experienced amateur musician. She goes to a number of conferences and workshops throughout the year to play with others of varying levels. Although she can hold her own in many settings, she always seems surprised when she’s invited to join a jam session.
Stop selling yourself short. Just put yourself out there!
How many times have I told her that? And how many times have I failed to apply those words to my own behavior?
And my advice to a younger family member to be careful about her spending decisions? Am Idoing what I need to in that area?
All of us know we are missing the mark or not managing some aspect of our life or our business as well as we could, and that we could be more successful if we only knew exactly what to do. Well, you actually have a secret weapon! It’s the advice or teaching we are giving others. Just listen to yourself the next time you start noticing what a friend, client, or relative needs to be doing, and ask yourself if there is a part of the advice you would give them that applies to you. It’s miraculous how your life can be transformed!
Let me know what you find! I’ll be watching myself as well.
Until next Tuesday,
Elizabeth