Kit Prendergast, PCC
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Tag Archives: energy
Patience in the Rain
Have you ever come across a faithful dog waiting in the rain for its owner to return? We feel sorry for the loyal dog, but the message is a great reminder. Over the years we work in teams, committees and projects with many, many people. And as we move around the country or overseas we also live with many other people in different living situations and a variety of communities. If we are wise, we nurture the best of these relationships faithfully. We know as we continue to grow in our careers we need and want a supportive professional network of friends and colleagues that we can call in the good and bad times.
In short, we share a history together and a mutual respect for our diverse talents, skills, expertise and experiences. So when times get tough and the rain is pouring down, we know that each of us has each other’s back and we can wait in the rain for a bit. And at the end of the day, that’s all that counts – as well as our faithful four legged friends.
Choose Not to Be Afraid
At 4:45am each morning I take the dogs outside for their first potty beak and to pick up our local paper off the front driveway. As our golden retriever and westie (Snowball & Dooley) are rolling in the snow making snow angels, I am glancing at the paper’s headlines under the garage lights.
Almost without fail, the front page stories shout at me about something that is going to immediately endanger myself or my family. It can be anything from global terrorism; the national economy, our local unemployment statistics; home foreclosure rates or a whole array of looming health disasters that will kill me off before the day is done. I’m surprised I can stagger back into the house for my first cup of coffee.
Fear, worry and anxiety are epidemic in our world today. The media, our politicians and even our family & friends are telling us constantly to “be afraid” of everything and anything. Yes, there are some very real things in 2013 that we need to be concerned about but do we really have to be worried 24/7? No, we don’t!
It’s our choice – what are we going to be concerned about (in a healthy way) and what are we going to let go. It takes practice but over time each of us develops an inner “check list” of what is worth getting our “knickers in a twist” (as the Brits say) and what needs to go on the back burner. That’s when our inner voice – the language – we use in speaking to ourselves becomes critical.
My challenge to you, is to pay attention to what media generated “fear” can hook you and then be touch with yourself in choosing your response. It’s your choice. Do I retreat to my comfort zone? Second guess myself constantly? Become critical of others? Cynical of the world around me? Think about it . . . and I hope you choose to put fear in its proper place. You are in control . . . not it.
When Blogging Grinds to a Halt!
Despite my best intentions, my weekly blog ground to a halt over the last two months. And it wasn’t even for something terribly exciting. It was rather due to the sudden onset of severe carpal tunnel syndrome in both of my hands. It started late July and really set me back in many ways. I’ve always been blessed with excellent health so I was a bit grumpy to be dealing with this unexpected health challenge.
But after two surgeries (Oct & Nov) I am back to writing, working out in the gym and generally getting into mischief – the spice of life! I was able to continue getting out my monthly e-newsletter Kit’s Monday Tip but it is only now (early January) that the hands are ready for my weekly blog to all of you.
And I’m sure I’m not alone in feeling guilty about slowing down or even stopping blogging on a regular basis. Have you ever felt that way? Life does get in the way for us. We may get pulled away by a family member’s pressing needs or by our own. The lesson I’ve learned is that it’s okay – I’ll get back to it as soon as I can. We’re just doing the best we can. So be kind to yourself if you’ve had to take a break – you will be back as I am now. More to come next week . . . Warmly, Kit
Posted in And a Bit More, Inspirational Leadership, Navigating Change, Your Time & Energy
Tagged change, energy, inspiration, optimism, resiliency
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Using “We” For Sense of Ownership
It’s such a simple word “We”. It’s easy to forget the emotional connection this simple word has the power to create.
Savvy leaders know this and they wisely use “we” in their communication with their functional and project teams. They know that this word shifts people’s mindset from an “I” or “me” mentality to a shared vision and commitment.
Suddenly, there is a sense of ownership. It’s subtle but the feeling is that we are in this all together – sink or swim – we are connected together and will all share in the success or failure of our efforts.
That’s very powerful. And it’s simply a shift in language. But it must be authentic. The leader must be genuine in their belief that the synergy of highly motivated and committed people is through a sense of ownership. As we know it truly “takes a village”.
Are You a “Go-To” Person?
What a great question! And if the answer is yes (and I hope it is) then the logical follow-up question is “What do people go to you for? You may never have thought about it. The answer may only be one word. For example, people tell me that they come to me for “energy” or “inspiration”. Maybe people come to you for your “wisdom” or for your “guidance” in challenging situations. Or maybe you are in the inside loop and are known for some unique “knowledge” or “expertise/experience”. It’s different for everyone and you may not even know for certain.
Your “Go-To” Reputation is Part of Your Brand
It’s a important question . . . what do others come to you for? I always ask this question when working with people around building their career performance and long-term success. And if they like the answer (which is very important) then we weave it into their personal and career brand so they own it – take control of it. It means that we are being seen as a resource – a valuable resource. We have something to offer relatively quickly and without a great deal of hassle. We are approachable, easy to get in contact with and can be trusted to listen and provide some help. Now that is a great reputation to have.
Remember! It doesn’t mean you have all the answers or that you’re going to take on all or even part of the work. In fact, it’s very important that you don’t see yourself in that role but rather that you have the contacts and the willingness to help connect others with resources. It means that you are a connector – a person in the know. That is an excellent reputation to have!
Learning from Sheila Leslie, Nevada State Senator
Just yesterday, I had the chance to listen to a wonderful member of the Nevada State Legislature, Sheila Leslie, State Senator, speak about her role in the legislature. In response to a question from the audience, Leslie shared how she mentors and advises newly elected legislators. And she knows what she’s talking about . . . Leslie has served Northern Nevada since 1998 first as a State Assemblywoman and now as a State Senator. She is very well-respected and best known for her expertise and experience in the health and human services.
So it was no surprise that Leslie’s advice to young legislators is to become a “go-to” person in an area you are interested in; you have some expertise and you are willing to help others. And that’s exactly what Leslie has done for years. Right out of graduate school, she served in the poorest areas of the Dominican Republic with the Peace Corp; started the first Food Bank in Nevada and worked for years establishing a network of child protective community services. Out of these personal experiences and passion, Leslie has become the valuable “go-to” person on these issues. This is her reputation and a very powerful influential brand. She’s an inspiration to all of us!