what the hell does that title mean?
I have no clue either but I am currently in Lyme Regis on a week long development course courtesy of the 9 – 5. Today was the first day, after a 3 hour train journey, our group of 10 arrived at just past midday
After some great lunch, it was time to do business
This week we will be exploring how we show up to work, the impact we have on others and how to maximise our creativity
They say teaching or at least relaying information is the best way to learn it
So here it goes
So far, I have discovered the difference between thoughts and ideas
Thought: I like filmmaking
Idea: Since I like filmmaking, why don’t i get a few of my friends together, make a no budget film and learn the ropes of how to actually make a film
The difference between ideas and thought is that ideas are actionable and normally provide a call to activity, something you can do with them, thoughts do not.
I have also learned that most of what people call brainstorming and ideas/creative sessions are horrible procedures that never actually generate or inspire sustainable action equating to a waste of time
We were taught how to facilitate a productive creative session, first by setting out clear objectives so people understand what is being asked of them and why, then you set up a clear understanding of the kind of behaviours that would help make the session useful – “In this session i want us to think positively, encourage each other and be open minded, can we all agree to that?” and then you keep things going
I also learned that its way better and easier to get feedback than to give it – people will rarely change a culture, especially at work by merely telling others what is not going well and why things suck so much
However, if you want to become an agent of change, seeking to gain as much feedback about your own performance and then putting that feedback into action will potentially (key word) inspire others to do the same about their own
Your request for feedback should be specific and you should not be ashamed to ask for it, here are the two questions to ask
1)What am I doing brilliantly at the moment?
This will foster positive thought and encourage people to actually stop and think about what it is that you do well, then by gaining such knowledge you will gain better understanding of how you are being received in the workplace
The second question you ask is:
2)what can I do even better going forward?
This phrases the question in a positive manner even though you are asking people to tell you what you are currently not doing well in
By phrasing it this way, the person is able to feel comfortable and confident that the feedback they give will be well received even though it is technically a critique
Tomorrow, we’ll be learning about managing our state and energy and how this plays a major part in our productivity and influence at work
wow, guess there is truth to the whole teach it to keep it concept – I didn’t realise I remembered so much, especially considering I didn’t take any notes – I have also volunteered to warm up the session tomorrow as my goal is to get as much out of this as possible
This week, you can journey with me as I learn how to up my Elvis and also what that actually means!
Be well
SRZ
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