November 2019 – Walk Into the Future

Mentors provide valuable lessons for us to share

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“Our chief want in life is somebody who will make us do what we can”.

(Ralph Waldo Emerson)

We all need someone to mentor and guide us on our journey. I have had some great people step into my life and provide guidance needed for successful outcomes. I reach out and thank them as much as possible because their lessons walk with me every day.

I purposefully relay those same messages to my tree branches when needed. So, the tree started with my mentors, and my goal is to keep it growing with new branches who will grow additional branches.

Had an interesting conversation with one of my closest branches. She mentioned she met with former students at their request and realized these students were branches from her tree. I hope to continue to hear about additional tree branches sprouting in other areas. How many branches have you added to the tree?

Greatest lesson learned

The greatest lesson I learned from my mentor is patience with others. The pace of the world continues to accelerate but patient leaders provide direct reports the space to learn, make mistakes and grow. Leaders who display patience in the work environment provide a space for reflection and active coaching when needed. The exact lesson my mentor gifted me I call: 3 check-ins. Sounds like a weird game for the work environment but I’ve seen it work and leverage it to this day.

So, how does 3 check-ins work? Great question!

Example:

You assign a work project to one of your direct reports with a specific due date. Instructions are provided but you allow the direct report freedom to get the project completed prior to the due date. The assigned project will have 3 check-in points built in where the leader comes back to the direct report to:

Make sure the assignment was understood (reflection)
Answer outstanding questions (learn)
Offer support/guidance if needed (coaching)
Adjust goals (as needed)

The 3 check-ins are spaced out to allow for adjustments to the project if needed but keeps the direct report focused on positive outcomes. Creating organized check points for the project shows the leader is a willing partner and seeks growth for team members. This also eliminates the direct report from feeling like they are alone on the project. We want them to take initiative but not feel they have no support.

The 3 check-ins approach is not designed as a fancy way to micromanage a team. It provides a support system to enhance professional growth and ensure successful outcomes for the entire team. Also, the approach allows the leader to serve their team and maximize individual talents.

How do you provide support when assigning projects to your team? How can the 3 check-in approach enhance your operation? (Please respond in the comments section below—thanks!)

“The best teachers are those who tell you where to look—but don’t tell you what to see”.

(Alexander K. Trenfor)

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“Play chess not checkers in the work environment.”

(Calvin Williams)

Thanks for walking with me!

Leverage individual communication styles to enhance team operations

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“In teamwork, silence isn’t golden, it’s deadly”.

(Mark Sanborn)

There are no two teams that are exactly alike. Not the most prophetic thing I’ve ever written in this blog space but worth stating.

Teams have different dynamics and function based on these things and the people who make up the team. The most successful teams can leverage the talents of each team member into the overall organizational dynamic to ensure successful outcomes.

We’ve discussed team communication strategies in previous posts with an angle to strengthen your team. Individual communication styles and preferences should be reviewed and discussed when you add someone new to your team. I’m sure everyone strives to hire the best candidate to fill an opening on their team. How much thought do you put into understanding how to integrate the new team member’s communication style in with others?

I’m a firm believer that leaders should know direct reports’ communication style and preferred way they want to receive information. This knowledge allows leaders to seek ways to ensure they communicate in a way to maximize operational needs. This knowledge has helped me when assigning tasks to team members.

Example #1: When faced with a project that has an extremely quick turnaround time, I normally assign this project to my ENFJ (MBTI) staff member. This type project excites the staff member and I know they will get things done quickly with enough time for review before the deadline.

Example #2: When faced with a project due four months from today, I normally assign this project to my ISTJ (MBTI) staff member. This type project allows the staff member time to plan, strategize and ask all the questions they need to for a successful outcome.

MBTI refresher: https://eu.themyersbriggs.com/en/Using%20Type/Head%20Type%20table

The examples listed above are two actual scenarios I’ve tackled in the past. Both had successful outcomes because I knew and understood how to engage staff to maximize their talents. This in turn produced successful outcomes for the organization.

Knowledge of individual communication styles also provides a blueprint to help build training plans to help staff members grow. Introverted staff are not exempt from ever getting a task with a quick turnaround. The leader needs to provide a more detailed set of instructions and understand they may have to follow-up with the staff member. This process begins to stretch the staff member and helps their professional growth. This also provides the leader with another staff member who can handle future quick turnaround projects and not wear out the extroverts. Also, extroverted staff are not exempt from being assigned long term projects—training applies to all staff members.

There are multiple ways to engage staff to understand their individual communication style. MBTI and CliftonStrengths are two tools used in my work environments. These tools allowed me to get a better understanding of everyone on my team and integrate this knowledge to help teammates understand each other as well.

What’s the most successful way for me to understand how to communicate with my team? I sit down with them and ask everyone how they like to receive information. Simple, huh? Then I make sure to communicate with everyone in a manner they identify (as much as possible). Things pop up but I try to remain consistent with the communication process. Direct reports seem to appreciate this fact and respond in a positive manner.

A final note, leaders need to ensure their team knows how they like to communicate as well. The team shouldn’t have to guess how to approach a leader. This creates undo stress and is not productive.

How do you account for individual communication styles in the work environment? Can this knowledge impact your current organization? (Please respond in the comments section below—thanks!)

“Wise men speak because they have something to say; Fools because they have to say something”.

(Plato)

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2019 Boston (GA) mini marathon (Recap)

Boston mini

“How do you know someone ran a marathon? Don’t worry, they’ll tell you.”

(Jimmy Fallon)

My Walk into the Future continues to provide me with adventures and challenges to chase. The latest challenge came during the Boston (GA) mini marathon (13.1 miles) on 10/26/19. This race was on my 2019 schedule because I ran it last year and had really good results. Set my first of many personal records (PR) at the race last year.

Fast forward to this year’s race and there’s not a PR to discuss. My race time and finish position regressed this year. Was a bit disappointed with my results because I know I can run faster and have done so multiple times this year on tougher courses.

So, why did I regress during this race? Great question and I spent a day reflecting on why this race didn’t go as I planned. Turns out I simply took running fast times for granted. Not saying I didn’t train and put in the miles to run another good half marathon time.

September miles: 44 (includes Philly Rock N Roll Half marathon)
October miles: 29 (includes Boston mini marathon)

I did assume my Boston mini marathon race results from 2018 would automatically translate to the 2019 race. The course was the same, but the weather was significantly different this year–mid-50s in 2018 and mid-70s with high humidity this year. Also, needed a better hydration plan since the temperatures and humidity were higher than normal for an October morning.

My race mistakes are all easily correctable and I was back in the gym the next morning correcting them. My physical race prep will still resemble what I’ve been doing but working on the mental aspects, so I never enter a race with assumptions again. I improved my half marathon times this year by entering every race with a chip on my shoulder—got ahead of myself for this race but the corrections are being made.

Lesson learned—never take a race or finish time for granted.

Boston mini marathon weekend

Boston (GA) is a nice little town 40 miles northeast of Tallahassee (FL). The people are friendly and have a blast for the entire race weekend. The half marathon is just one of the events they host for the weekend. It’s the kickoff event but most of the weekend action happens once the runners get out of the way.

Vendors setup before the sun comes out to get ready for visitors. The Boston butt BBQ competition is fierce with BBQ outfits from multiple states vying to win the first-place prize money. Most of these folks provide samples of their competition level BBQ after the race. There are other vendors with additional items for purchase (cakes, pies, fish, hot dogs, hamburgers, etc.). Almost has a carnival feel to the day once the race is over.

The parade starts right after the race awards are presented. I normally hit the road right before the parade kicks off since most intersections are blocked to accommodate the parade route. Great little town and event if you’re ever in the area.

https://bostonga.com/boston-mini-marathon/

Next race

Will venture down to Orlando for the Orlando Utility Commission (OUC) half marathon on 12/7/19. I ran my first ever half marathon at the OUC event back in 2013. Hard to believe but I’ve been chasing people at half marathons for 6 years now. Never thought I would run another half marathon after the first one but now I’m traveling the country making memories with my friends. Pretty cool transformation for me as I continue to Walk into the Future.

Looking forward to my training as I prepare for the OUC race. Also excited to catch up with family and friends while in the Orlando area. Already got my post-race lunch location picked and can’t wait to eat shrimp and grits! 😊 Plan to visit my favorite reggae spot, Bob Marley’s at City Walk too. Will be another fun adventure for me!

OUC Half

“Running won’t solve all your problems. But then again, neither will housework.”

(Unknown)

How do you bounce back from a set back? What lessons have you learned when things don’t turn out as planned? Thanks!

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