Ask The Ringmaster-Please!

A frequent comment in our training programs is that people are uncomfortable asking their ringmaster (boss or immediate supervisor) for help when they are juggling elephants. Specifically, they just don't see how they can get the things done (or done well) that are assigned to them. The reason most often given is that they don't want to appear weak.

First, if someone is afraid to talk to their supervisor about the situation, it probably hints of a deeper issue. Trust could be lacking or the relationship has not been grown in a positive way. Also, the person in leadership may not be very "approachable." Some managers understand the value of being available to their people and working through issues, but others use the Nike slogan-Just Do It!

If you are struggling trying to figure out how to get your current workload completed and the elephants keep coming, here are a few suggestions:

• Think of the needs of your boss or supervisor. How will their help in helping you prioritize assist them in accomplishing what is most important to them?
• Have an initial solution in mind. Managers don't want employees who simply throw themselves down and scream, "I just can't do it all!" When seeking help, have some ideas in mind of how you could shift your work to accomodate these new responsibilities. Then they can offer advice or suggestions.
• Use the right language. Use phrases like, "Help me understand..." or "I want to make sure I'm spending my time where it's most important to our team, etc."

Ultimately, you need to seek their support and collaboration. In an era of ever-increasing workloads, it's only a matter of time until an elephant comes crashing down on you-and then you WILL have a talk with your manager or supervisor that won't be nearly as pleasant or productive.

The Fierce Urgency of Now

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. understood the importance of "Now" and the need for "Urgency." He said,

"We are now faced with the fact, my friends, that tomorrow is today. We are confronted with the fierce urgency of now. In this unfolding conundrum of life and history, there is such a thing as being too late. Procrastination is still the thief of time. Life often leaves us standing bare, naked, and dejected with a lost opportunity. The tide in the affairs of men does not remain at flood -- it ebbs. We may cry out desperately for time to pause in her passage, but time is adamant to every plea and rushes on. Over the bleached bones and jumbled residues of numerous civilizations are written the pathetic words, 'Too late.'"

As it relates to how you manage your time or focus on what is most important, what do you need to have a "fierce urgency" about-before it's too late.

A No Excuses Circus

Imagine you are leaving a circus performance and the circus has placed some of their staff at each exit. As they walk by you hear things like:

• Thanks for coming. Sorry the elephants didn't perform as well as they normally do.
• Glad you were here. Maybe next time the trapeze team will actually have its act together.
• Please come back. Even though the popcorn was not as fresh as it should have been. We'll do better next time.

It would immediately dampen your enjoyment of the event and possibly make you question what else you may have missed during the performance. Ultimately you would not have been pleased.

Now, let's turn to your workplace. How many people say, "Here's the report. I was going to..... but I didn't have time." Or, "It's done-but it's not as good as I would like for it to be." You may have been guilty of it as well. I know I do it on occasion as well.

If you find yourself constantly offering excuses for why something is not of the quality it should be, maybe that's an indication that something needs to change. You're juggling elephants, and one is thrilled with that performance. If you are content to crank out mediocre results, stay the course. But if you really want to get a standing ovation from others and yourself, start doing things differently. Use the 3 D technique more often (Delegate, Delete, Delay) when you are overwhelmed. Question how any task you choose to undertake will help you accomplish your purpose. Take greater accountability for what you do-and don't do.

Resolve now to complete more quality acts in your circus-more often. Most people like their performances given without excuses.

It's All About The Throwing

Seth Godin is one of our favorite authors and bloggers. His ability to make you think is incredible. Last week he posted a blog about juggling. His first line deserves repeating here: Throwing is more important than catching.

We won't spoil the blog for you. But reflect on that one line in relation to planning the use of your time and energy. If we create a thorough plan of how to best use our time, we will get more done than if we weakly plan and then spend much of our time reacting to crises and other tasks that are simply convenient and "close at hand." Plato said, "The beginning is the most important part of any work."

How could you improve your throwing (planning) so that you are better at catching and ultimately keep accomplishing your purpose (successful juggling)?

Happy...New...Year

Happy - What are you going to do that will make 2011 a "happy" year? What will it take? Is it a change of attitude? A change of environment or situation? What are you going to do to make 2011 happy? Because if you are not happy...what's the point? Life is meant to be happy.

New-What are you going to do "new" this year? Have you set your goals for the year yet? Maybe you have thought about some ideas. Write them down! Get serious about them. Do something new and exciting this year.

Year -January can be a year where we feel a lot of pressure to get things done. Sometimes that pressure might cause you to want to just curl up and be mediocre. Break the year down into it's parts. What will you accomplish each month, each week and then execute today? Don't get overwhelmed. Get organized and then get to it.

Happy New Year. May 2011 exceed your positive expectations and be full of standing ovations.