Happy September! 

To support you in being F.I.R.S.T. (Future-Ready. Innovative. Relevant. Strategic. Trusted.), here's 1 tip, 1 question and 1 quote.

1. The F.I.R.S.T. Tip

 

A senior leader lamented that his team was very defensive when answering him. On examination, he revealed that most of his questions start with WHY. For example:

* Why did you do this?
* Why didn't you do this?
* Why did you miss your sales numbers?

This is not helpful, since WHY questions usually focus on the past, understanding the problem or apportioning blame.

On being urged by the coach to re-visit this, she experimented with WHAT questions, like:
* What would need to happen to ensure this issue doesn't arise next time?
* What is something you can do differently or new?
* What can you include in your planning to meet your sales numbers next time?

WHAT questions tend to be future-forward and solutions-focused.
 
The change was not immediate, but gradually her team members started opening up. Today her team engages in high-trust, forward-looking and solutions-focused conversations with ease.

Tip: Mindfulness enables you to build trust and unlock the potential of every interaction.
 

2. The F.I.R.S.T. Question

 

 

 

If you are like most knowledge workers, you have been working from home for significant periods the past year.
 
As the risks from the pandemic gradually subside, companies are making decisions on what the post-Covid workplace looks like.
 
This is the best time to ask yourself the question, “What does your ideal work-life look like?”
 
Think about designing your career which inspires productivity, achievement, connection and wellness.
 
When you have clarity on this question, you are better able help your boss and the company see the value of it, and make it happen.

3. The F.I.R.S.T. Thought of the Month (Though this is for life)

 

 

 

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