10 Habits for becoming Highly Valued at Work
By Bernard Chanliau, Saturday 10 June, 2006
Xenergie Forthcoming Open Workshops Summer 2006
1) Value time – yours and that of others. Time deserves to be valued because it is the stuff life is made of. It’s bank account that is constantly being emptied – use it well. Fritter away time and you waste your life. There is no such thing, as time management for time cannot be controlled. Self awareness and a sense of purpose is far more important than any electronic organiser, voice mail
2) Value your energy - Everyone needs to recharge. Everyone needs a life away from work. We cannot work anywhere near our peak if we are tired. A certain amount of pressure and stress is useful, as too little can leave us feeling lethargic or bored. Too much and we’re liable to snap under the pressure.
“Every now and then go away, have a little relaxation, for when you come back to your work your judgement will be surer since to remain constantly at work will cause you to lose the power of judgement” Leonardo da Vinci
Your own mental and physical energy is a precious resource that can be purposefully wasted or directed. The road to hell is paved with good intentions just as is the working day misery, paved with tiredness and distress.
3) Respect others and earn it in return – respect cannot be demanded, neither is it the right of a ‘title’. You cannot lead unless others will follow. To earn respect, others must see that you think before you act, that you show due consideration. They must believe that you are stable and have control over your own behaviour. Unpredictable behaviour spells unprofessional.
4) Think and Choose – a great many people think that they are thinking when they are rearranging their prejudices. Anyone can develop thinking skills and understanding how you think, how your mind works is one of the most empowering things you can do to change your reality to a more effective one. Become aware of your natural prejudices and values, so that decisions are choices rather than reactions.
5) Be Brave – be brave enough to stand out of the crowd, to take initiative, to ask for open and honest feedback; to confront issues and see them through to resolution; to take a risk. Employers do not value employees who complacently stay in their safety zone.
6) Judge the line between persisting and giving up – many talented people fall short of their potential because they are afraid to get back up and persist when they take a fall. Fear of failure is one of the biggest inhibitors of success. Persistence is a core strength of all those who succeed.
“Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not: nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not: unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education alone will not: the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent” Calvin Coolidge.
7) Continue to develop self awareness – given negative feedback sometimes, we can often shrug it off, attack the person that gave it, talk about our good intentions and justify it in some way. Seek feedback and be brave enough to hear it. Skilful people often appear to be ‘naturals’ and maintain standards that we find intimidating. Ask them how they got there and they will probably confess that it was a skill they learnt along the way – receiving the ‘gift’ of feedback to learn more about themselves. Likewise, we need positive feedback too – otherwise how do we know when we are valued? How will you know how and when to improve? How will you know when you have achieved success? Seek mentors, sponsors, stimulating groups and immerse yourself in a variety of new opinions and ideas.
8) Get comfortable with change – change is a displacement that creates opportunities as well as eliminating parts that no longer serve. Change is a constant and as human beings, we are built and designed to always grow and change. Time does not stand still, nor do we. The more you cling to the past and the present, the harder change will be for you. Get used to embracing the ebbs and flows in your life: ebbs and flows of moods, beginnings and endings of the day, celebrate the passing of key phases in your life in a way that welcomes in the new. Regularly clear your clutter, so mentally and physically you have room for the new. Ask questions, get information and find out what change will mean. When one door closes, another opens ….
“Change is a journey, not a destination. Enjoy the ride and make the most of every station” Lorna McDowell
9) Be more than willing and able to contribute to change – Every now and again, we need to shed ‘deadwood.’ ‘Deadwood’ in a company are employees that have ceased to learn and grow, that contribute in only a marginal way. They are not considered necessary for future change and growth. Decide where you want to be and contribute! Keep asking the questions: “What do we need now?”, “What are we trying to achieve here?” Businesses need a variety of skills from big picture so small detail … where do your skills fit in?
10) Keep a sense of Fun! Life is not supposed to be a drag! Learning and growth is tremendous fun whatever age you are – it is never too late or too early. Know how to relax and identify the parts of your work that you feel passionate about. Have fun with your colleagues, have fun with yourself. A smile and a positive attitude can really lighten the day and keep things in perspective.
Xenergie has three courses this summer to help develop your personal potential, thinking skills and flexibility for change: Held at the Burren Holistic Centre, a private farmhouse set in 50 acres and stunning views of the of Burren landscape in Co Clare. To book please call 091 635 583 or complete the booking form online
Giant Leap - Fri 16 to Sun 18 June Explore your Creative Mind
Wish you were more creative but think you are not? This workshop is for you. Explore ideas, rid yourself of your inner critic, express yourself in new ways through painting, writing, and film/sound work. Learn how creative thinking is a way of life rather than an elusive skill and can be applied to taking risk and achieving more throughout your life.
For those who love to be stimulated and are open to trying something new. With Life Coach Lorna McDowell and Creative Producer, Gerry Mulkerrins.
Footsteps to Life Change - Fri 30 June to Sun 2 July A Walk on your Wild Side.
Change your life/career coaching weekend - the first part of an optional 90-day change programme. A revitalising adventure to rediscover yourself with a dynamic transformational process for finding authenticity, vitality, and direction.
Home-cooked food, roaring fires, magnificent walks, heavenly secluded setting to free your spirit, explore thoughts, and consider next steps in complete calm and focus. Group and 1-1 coaching with meditation, yoga, massage and fire ceremony. Includes 12+ hours’ group and 1-1 tuition, detailed personality assessment, motivational CD, accommodation (shared twin and some single rooms) and workbook.