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

Being good at our jobs leads us getting promoted. This is a logical and effective way to reward people who deliver results. However, understand that if you continue focusing on what you are good at (such as your technical skills) there will be a tipping point beyond which you cannot go.

As Herminia Ibarra, INSEAD professor and the author of ‘Act like a leader, think like a leader’ points out - Falling into a competency trap where you do more of what you are best at – continually improving your existing skills rather than developing other important ones, might garner great performance reviews and a strong bottom line, yet it doesn’t set you up for the next big job.

So your next learning goal should be to try new experiences and develop new relationships, so that you gain the necessary fresh perspectives to grow as a leader. This will not only change how you think but who you become.

Tip: Act like a leader to become one.

2. The F.I.R.S.T. Question

Who do you give your listening to?

Who do you give your listening time to?

A leader shared she was struggling to connect with her team.

When asked to rate the quality of connection she has with the different categories of people, she shared.

Clients - A
Boss - B
Team - C
Husband - D 

"I've the best connection with my clients because I am happy to hear them out. Even when they complain, I listen because it's often an opportunity to upsell.” 

“With my boss also I tend to listen because its either an opportunity to learn from her, understand her expectations or make her aware of mine, or what support I need to perform better.” 

“With my team, perhaps due to the pressure of work, or too much familiarity because we spend so much time together, I realise that I am often quite impatient and don't take enough time to listen before I jump into the tasks on hand.”

“By the time I get home to my husband, I am already exhausted. I hate to say this but by now my patience, empathy and listening are already exhausted" 

This reflection and realisation shook her up a lot. She decided she needed to focus on listening and being more present with her team (and her husband). 

I am sure you will agree that this could be true for many of us; we don't give our listening evenly. 

Luckily, the good news is that all it takes is a little MINDFULNESS to spark listening and connection, at any time with others. And with ourselves too.
 

3.The F.I.R.S.T. Quote

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