At the weekend I decided it would be beneficial to redecorate the home office. For obvious reasons I have worked from this space more in the last 24 months than the previous 8 years. It would be good to brighten up the environment. A different colour scheme and storage system — out with the old and in with the new. Time to re-invent my workspace.
Clearing the cupboards in anticipation of throwing paint everywhere, I came across a selection of learning material and old notebooks full of ideas, insights, and observations. As I flicked through these notebooks and the content from development programmes delivered over the years, I found myself getting lost in the material, jumping from one book to another. Hungry to find the nuggets that, for one reason or another, slipped my memory.
Reflecting, I considered: what material is still current today, what have I not shared for a while that would still be useful, what am I currently using that needs to be replaced? In a small way it was time to re-invent part of the conversation, not just my working environment.
As leaders our role includes enhancing revenues and margins, improving efficiencies, and solving problems — all achieved through our people. To do this we lead others to embrace change, and make it stick. And we do this by having and being part of great conversations.
How often do we take the time to reflect and assess these messages? Are we stretching ourselves, are we making the most from our current conversations? What innovative approaches, tools and techniques should we be seeking out and using? Or do we continue with the familiar, firmly in our comfort zone?
Music artists that survive over decades are great at re-invention. Through their music, and the conversation they have with the listener through the lyrics, they re-invent themselves. They hold the attention and connection with their current audience, yet also attract new ones. They adjust, stay interesting and keep current.
As a manager how do you keep your approach current and keep the interest of your audience? It is never about wholesale change — you are successful because of your current knowledge and skills. It is about mastery and the small adjustments that help you get there. Sportspeople are great at looking for those small adjustments. As Jonny Wilkinson said: “If you know what your best is, then you are just self-limiting your performance.”
Progress isn’t necessarily visible as it’s happening. The seemingly idle moments of self-reflection can unlock great change.