Things To Never Say To Your Ringmaster

Monster.com posted a short list of things you should never say to your boss. They include:

• "I need a raise."
• "That just isn't possible."
• "I can't stand working with _____."

As the article states, it's always a good idea to think before you speak. After reading the full article, why not create your own list to remind you of how to properly communicate with anyone who can have a significant impact on the success of your circus.

Do I Procrastinate or Put Things Off?

When you put off doing a task, is it procrastination or just a wise choice of not doing something that is less important than the other items on your list?  That can be a tough question especially when rationalization kicks in.  The Random House definition for procrastination is, "To put off habitually till another day or time." 

One way to evaluate if you are a "habitual procrastinator" is to consider your intent.  What is your intent in putting something off?  Is it because you are feeling lazy and that you just don't want to do the task?  Or, is it because you have a long list of other things that are more important that you should get working on instead?  You know that you can't do it all...you have to pick and choose.

As you determine what you will and what you won't work on, consider your motives and your decision making process.  You might find that you are procrastinating some things that you shouldn't and that there are things that you should put off for another day so that you can work on what you should.  To do, or not to do, that is really the question!

The Silence Says It All

I turned on the radio to my favorite news station and the sounds of Lady Gaga came to my ears. I checked the station information and saw that it was correct. I then went to my computer and thought I could listen online. Had to be a glitch-things worked perfectly yesterday.

When I clicked on the site, a letter appeared on my screen which gave the grim news-the station had been discontinued due to lack of advertising sales and a slow economy. Too bad. As I continued to read the letter, however, I got a little steamed. The letter began to tout all the accomplishments of the station over the past several years. As I finished reading I wanted to scream, "But you're now off the air!"

In Juggling Elephants we have a quote that your circus is only as good as your NEXT performance. Reflecting on the past is good as it gives us a sense of accomplishment, but our goal should always be to determine how to best use our time and energy to improve our performance for the future. To figure out how to sustain our success in the areas most important to us. Failure to do so causes the elephants to grow larger and eventually squash us-or in the case of my radio station-go silent.

The Mental Weight Is What Squashes Us

In a pre-program conference call with a client, we received some initial resistance to our training because they thought we would be telling people you can't get everything done (which, of course you can't). Their concern was that people would adopt that mentality and start "slacking off." We had a good laugh on that one.

The reality is that most of our stress comes from the mentality that we can get it all done. Our minds are constantly racing with all that could be undertaken, thereby reducing our productivity on what COULD be done. We don't plan well because we reason that there will be time to get everything done. We hold on to tasks that should be delegated because we envision unlimited resources of time. And we sacrifice the urgent for the important because we falsely believe that there will be time for the important later.

If you are weighed down by the thoughts of all you have and want to do-you're juggling elephants. Try applying the circus metaphor to your situation. Be the ringmaster of your circus, create the right lineup and work with those performers more effectively. You might even find you are getting more standing ovations from the most important person in your audience-yourself!

Stop, Look and Listen

"Stop, look and listen."  This is great advice when you are crossing a street or a railroad crossing.  It also makes sense when you feel like you are in the "Juggling Elephants" routine or need a fresh prospective.

Stop!  The day to day can sometimes can be so crazy that you don't take the time to reflect on all that you are doing and determine if you are doing the right things.  This is why individuals in organizations take "retreats" or attend conferences.  Stepping back for a moment can give you fresh eyes and allow you to gain a new perspective on where you are.  You might just need 15 minutes or you might be due for an longer "intermission" to get your "act together".

Look!  Dive into the data.  Run reports and better yet, read them.  What is working?  What isn't working?  Why is it working or not working?  Ask the hard questions and look for the answers. 

Listen!  If you are in business, talk to your customers.  Ask them why they buy.  Ask people that are not your customers why the don't buy.  Talk with your co-workers. Talk to family and friends.  Get their advice.  The important point here is to listen!  Don't do all the talking.  Get their perspective, look for patterns in their comments and then create a plan to implement what you learn.

Stop, look and listen is easy to remember and can be a valuable tool to determine if you pointed in the right direction and how you can take your performance to the next level.  Try it in your next family or staff meeting.