Becoming a Perception Changer!

So, everyone has heard this time and again....the infamous stories about the eagle being a visionary, the one that soars above the clouds, the analogy that if you are to succeed, you must be like the Eagle, high above the clouds not sitting with the ducks or chickens!!

So here's a thought! How many of you actually believe, that to be ALONE, high above, seeking freedom from the rest of the world, succeeding by YOURSELF, being a SELF MADE millionare is the ONLY way to show what success really is.

Now, for many, you have blindly followed for years, sayings like "climbing the corporate ladder" , the "glass ceiling is holding us back", "you cannot see the picture if you are in the frame". So here's the thing....how many times have you actually questioned the origins of these sayings and the impact on an ever evolving world, filled with challenges that are no longer relevant to the past? When is the last time you questioned the quips, quotes and wisdoms of other in lieu of how YOU really feel?

We are currently liking, loving, applauding and sharing what others say. And yet, the reality is that you have your own thoughts, interpretations, realities and experiences that would add so much more value if you trusted yourself to share your own authentic beliefs.

Self confidence and self esteem seems to be the key right now, that could move people from where they are in their lives to where they deserve to be. There is so much hype on motivation and so little on the human aspect.

In fact, we talk about ALL the things holding us back from succeeding rather than how we actually feel and what we need to develop in terms of skills, tools and techniques to prosper, grow, move, evolve in every aspect of our lives.

Do you see people updating that they need conflict resolutions skills or emotional intelligence techniques so that they can repair the damage of their inappropriate comments about gender issues, rudeness or bullying? NO! Instead, what you have are memes and updates of how mean men are, how abusive men in the workplace is, thereby promoting stereotyping. You have talks, memes and insulting speeches on the glass ceiling effects on Women in the workplace that is used now for EVERY situation in order to promote Gender Equality.

At what point do we promote Collaboration, Thoughtfulness, kindness, respect, care, gentle words, integrity, joy, listening, understanding and compassion as the key to resolve alot of this miscommunication, anger, stereotyping, programming and hurting of each other?

Whenever you see the Eagle analogy, it is always speaking to a LIMITED crowd of go-getters, ambitious business people, confident high flyers and big thinkers. Which effectively leads me ask yet again. If you pay for a motivational speaker to entice and encourage your ENTIRE workforce to become better teamplayers, encourage cohesive teamwork, improve communication amongst departments and levels, where does the wholistic approach fit in, if their talk only motivates the few and the majority walk away, just happy to get lunch or move on content in their depressed or negative state?

You see, telling people that they must ALL aspire to Eagle status defeats that purpose of understanding the nuances of the personality types, learning styles, diversities, needs, experiences, beliefs and expectations of the individuals who MAKE up the team.

No wonder people walk away with a mini motivated moment, only to realise that their own reality is simply this....their self limiting beliefs are ingrained further by their lack of confidence, tools, knowledge or support to get out of the rut of feeling like the left behind chickens on the ground. They will leave knowing that they will always have a mundane life and accept it grudgingly. They will sit amongst themselves and fulfill their prophecy of woe is me syndrome whilst filling up with resentment, anger and frustration towards those who continue to strive and persevere on a daily basis to grow themselves.

As a leader or manager, you will keep trying to inspire them that they can DO more and BE more, yet they have not been given the tools to dig deep, remove their angers, hurt, hatred, programming and beliefs. And the cure for this, is always, a teambuild, a retreat, a personality test or training they did not ask for. The company will invest heavily on outsiders, yet it is the INSIDERS who need to do the work to show progress.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with training. What is wrong is if it is thrown at people as a cure, rather than a solution that they asked for.

When we keep repeating the old mantras of yesteryear, the old sayings, memes and motivational one liners, and expecting different results, then we have a serious problem

The "chicken" mentality of people feeling unheard, unseen and not valued en masse, will remain a massive problem and continue to impact the company, their need for great performers as well as their productivity and bottom line.

How can you seriously ask people to stop following like chickens when the Eagle is few and far between to be found. It is a rare sighting, a wonder to behold and a power in its own right. So it makes sense then, that you are actually only appealing to the select few who WISH to make a change, challenge their thinking, defy behaviours, improve their habits and daily actions to achieve what the others BELIEVE they can't or don't deserve to have in their lives!

All I am saying, is that we need to start questioning HOW we motivate people, if we follow blindly too. The rise in mindfulness, awareness, compassionate thinking, respect, values and commitment will not only succeed, but create a major culture change within any organisation, if we actually listen to our people more carefully.

The glass ceiling effect? Change the perspective - Glass is transparent, you can see THROUGH it and it can be shattered. Plant that kind of thinking into your teams and let THEM develop coping mechanisms to change their own beliefs of what holds them back.

The Eagle vs Chicken mentality? Simple - appeal to everyone and make them understand that the qualities of both is VERY necessary within the organisation and that one does not make a person more or less successful than the other. We need leaders as much as we need followers. But as followers, we also need to upskill and engage them in a way that allows them to implement to the best of their ability.

Self made millionare? - Seriously? The person would have had to have an idea, then build a team around them to implement, create and support them. They would have had to depend on a financial team, someone to assist, cook, clean, do reports, accounts, maintain their home, car, technology, work, build, socialise, guide, mentor and support them in every aspect of their lives. Sometimes we discount the people around us, whilst our Ego takes flight that we did all of this by ourselves. Well, this is where humility plays a massive role. A person would have had family, friends, sleepless nights and endless support to get to where they are at. So let's take a look at that saying again before we throw it around again.

When we contemplate the origins of many sayings, know this. Some are very true in this day and age, whilst others have lost their relevance amongst our new generations, our ever evolving technological advancements and emotional disconnect amongst people as a whole.

This is not limited to business. This impacts our social beliefs, thoughts and behaviours on a daily basis.

Let's spend time, having conversations and dissecting these sayings to understand how the individual sees themselves and then make an effort to add value that is more specific and relatable to them.

Let's include compassion and respect into our words and speeches knowing that to impact a life is a gift, not to be taken lightly. So tread lightly in how you choose to grow people.

Challenge your own interpretations and evolve. Pause long enough to realise that your beliefs may not be the only one that adds value.

So, encourage, entice, evaluate and evolve. Choose curiosity over complacency and questioning over acceptance.

I wish you a lifetime of delicious conversations, intriguing discussions and more importantly - Success in every aspect of your life, regardless of where you are at right now!

Until the next time, take care and have fun!

Ms Arthie Moore