Is It Temporary?

A program participant came up after a keynote and said, "When I saw the three rings, I was immediately depressed." When I inquired as to why, she said, "Because it's my self ring that's being neglected." I immediately responded, "And will it still be that way in 30 days?" Her response was, "I don't know." I then replied, "Well, I think you have a good reason to be concerned."

As we have said many times in our blogs and in our programs, the circus is frequently unbalanced. There is more action in one ring than another and one ring may even be vacant. But look again in a few minutes and the ring that was vacant is now full of activity, while the others will have changed in intensity as well. When the performance is over, there will have been quality acts in all 3 rings.

If your circus is out of balance at the moment, don't panic. That's normal. But if it's been that way so long that the audience members around that ring (include yourself) are feeling neglected or frustrated, it's probably time to change your lineup. And if you can't quickly determine when the imbalance can change, you need an intermission to get yourself back on track.

Quick Ways To Improve Your Performance

Too often we think that improving our performance at work requires time-consuming certification programs, advanced degrees and months of hard work. While they are important elements in a plan, don't over look those small opportunities to improve. Here's a few quick ways to build a better circus performance:

• Connect with a potential mentor. A simple phone call or e mail could reap big dividends over time.
• Ask for a new responsibility. Okay, we know you are already overworked, but what's the value of tackling a short-term task that improves your skills and enhances your resume?
• Visit your professional association's website. They have current articles related to your profession and downloadable pdfs with good information about industry trends, etc.
• Volunteer. Start with a short-term event for a local charity or non-profit. You will rub shoulders with people who will appreciate your commitment to service-and could be of help in building your network and support team.
• Focus on building individual relationships. Everyone is so busy and when you single someone out for support and encouragement, it shows your genuine concern for their well-being, and is a breath of fresh air in an impersonal work environment.
• Update your resume. It's a good chance to see how you have grown (or not) while in your present position.

While many of these tips won't replace the more involved forms of job performance improvement, they are effective "acts" to begin getting more standing ovations at work.

Who's the Goof-Ball?

A friend sent this story in and I thought it was worth sharing:

"An organization, feeling it was time for a shakeup, hired a new CEO. The new boss was determined to rid the company of all slackers. On a tour of the facilities, the CEO noticed a guy leaning against a wall. The room was full of workers, and he wanted to let them know that he meant business.

He asked the guy, 'How much money do you make a week?' A little surprised, the young man looked at him and said, 'I make $400 a week. Why?' The CEO said, 'Wait right here.'

He walked back to his office, came back in two minutes, and handed the guy $1,600 in cash, and said, 'Here's four weeks' pay ... Now GET OUT, and don't come back.'

Feeling pretty good about himself the CEO looked around the room and asked, 'Does anyone want to tell me what that goof-ball did here?' From across the room a voice said, 'Pizza delivery guy from Domino's.'"

Remember that "the relationship between you and the performers affects the quality of your circus." Getting to know those you work with and building a healthy relationship is critical in building trust. Without trust, it becomes difficult to lead and actually have people follow.

What can you do today, tomorrow or this week to better get to know those that you work with and build trust? How about your friends and family members?

When It's You Against The Performers

Ever have one of those days when you may be the Ringmaster of your circus... but nobody seems to want to be a performer in your circus? In an over-committed workplace and society, people are often wary of saying "yes" to one more thing, even if it's part of their responsibilities.

The next time you sense that some of your performers don't want to step into the ring, try these strategies to move them toward action:

• Connect with purpose. Remind them of the purpose of the organization (or family unit) and how their action would contribute to accomplishing that purpose. Don't forget to also focus on what's important to them and how their action would contribute to accomplishing those purposes as well.
• Tell them "why." Let them know why they are the best person for the task...but don't lie to them.
• Create a picture. Help them visually understand who will be "cheering" for them and the team when the task is completed.
• Let them know how it will benefit you. If you have built trust into your relationship with them, this may move them to action. If you haven't created an atmosphere of trust, disregard this one.
  
• Get into the ring with them. Show them you are willing to do your part to contribute to the work required to complete the task or project.

Remember, no one wants to see a "one person" circus.

Check Your Priorities

In a survey by Booz & Company, 64% of executives said that "their biggest frustration factor is having too many conflicting priorities." That is easy to understand and even relate to especially when most all of us are faced with limited time and resources. If we had unlimited time and unlimited resources, their would be no frustration because we would have the means to accomplish all of our priorities (there would be no conflict).

It is easy to get frustrated as you face work/life balance issues. Because we have limited time and resources we are torn between the conflict of taking care of things at work as well as having quality "acts" in our relationships; not to mention taking care of ourselves.

As we say in our book, "Juggling Elephants" you have to pick and choose, because there are no shortages of acts that can be a part of your circus. The secret is to be proactive, prioritize and plan what activities you are going to include in your life rather than, a) being frustrated as priorities come into conflict or b) allowing nature or someone else to determine what YOUR priorities are.

The same goes for organizations. There would be a lot fewer frustrated executives if leadership would better define strategy and priorities thus reducing conflicting possibilities. Creating a personal or organizational strategy is not easy. It takes time and energy (two limited resources). But the investment is worth it in the long run.