Frameworks for reflection, renewal and recognition

As summer winds down, it’s an ideal time to pause and reflect on the year so far. Whether you’ve taken a break or powered through busy projects, this transitional period offers a chance to reset, refocus, and make the most of the remaining months of 2024.

If you’ve attended one of my keynotes, you know I LOVE a good framework. So, here’s one to help you assess where you are and how you can maximise your time. It’s called the STOP framework:

• S: Stop and Reflect – Take a moment to pause and evaluate the past few months. What were your biggest wins? What challenges did you face? What lessons have you learned?
• T: Take Stock – Look at your current commitments and priorities. Are they aligned with your goals for the rest of the year? Identify any tasks or activities that might be draining your energy without adding value.
• O: Organise – Reorganise your schedule or to-do list to focus on what matters most. Eliminate or delegate tasks that aren’t essential, and make room for activities that will help you achieve your goals.
• P: Plan Ahead – Set clear, achievable goals for the final quarter. What do you want to accomplish by the end of the year? Create a plan that outlines the steps you need to take to get there.

Whether your goal is to rest more, or to get more done, give this simple framework a try. If you work in a team, you could use it as a group exercise to get everyone energised and focused on what's ahead!

INSPIRE INCLUSION

Back in June, I interviewed some incredible thought leaders on Introverts in the Workplace as part of my Big Talk for Quiet People series. There are more interviews planned for the autumn, and I’m also writing a book on the topic, but for now, here are a few key takeaways on how to better support and include introverts at work.

Introverts bring valuable strengths - deep thinking, careful analysis, and attentive listening. However, in many workplaces, extroverted traits like quick thinking and verbal assertiveness are more highly valued, often sidelining quieter voices.

It can help to provide spaces where introverts feel comfortable sharing their ideas. This might involve giving more time for responses in meetings or offering alternative ways to contribute, such as written feedback.

Also, let’s challenge the misconception that introverts are less effective leaders. In fact, introverted leaders often excel by leading with empathy, listening more, and making thoughtful, well-considered decisions.

Here’s an article about creating spaces for extroverts and introverts to work better together (and yes…I realise we’re all on a spectrum so I’m not trying to pigeonhole anyone here )?

https://www.forbes.com/sites/kathycaprino/2015/09/07/can-introverts-and-extroverts-ever-work-well-together-how-opposites-can-collaborate-brilliantly/?sh=257a6cf451ac

And if you missed our 5-day LinkedIn series, Big Talk for Quiet People, back in June, click here to get a copy of the PDF with key takeaways from all the interviews.

WHAT'S BEEN HAPPENING BEHIND THE SCENES?

This summer, I’ve been taking some time out to focus on music and singing. Some of you may know that years ago I worked as a Motown and Jazz singer.

I’ve always believed that music has the power to heal and unite, and with the current state of division in the world, I’m planning to regularly incorporate (optional) musical elements into selected in-person keynotes.?

Nope, it won’t bring about global peace and it’s still a work in progress, but I know so many of us are feeling anxious about the direction the world is heading in.

Bringing some music into my keynotes is my own minuscule way of helping us get out of our heads, even for a few moments, and into our hearts. More soon!

After an intentionally quiet few weeks, everything kicks off again in September, starting with a keynote at the Rise and Lead Summit ?in The Hague, where I’ll be sharing a case study on the power of empathy as a foundation for successful DEI initiatives and running a roundtable on Working with DEI resistance. I’ll also be speaking in Munich and Barcelona in the next few weeks. I’m almost at full capacity for September and October but if you’d like to book a session for November and beyond, please reach out to [email protected] and let us know what you’re thinking!

Keynotes on Empathy, Psychological Safety, and Inclusive Leadership continue to be popular, and I’m excited to be delivering my Inclusion Launchpad programme to new clients later this year as well as Communication and Influence workshops from the Connect & Convince programme sholakaye.com/connect-convince/

COMMUNICATION CORNER

During sessions on topics such as Delivering Feedback with Empathy, and Challenging Conversations, I share communication frameworks for handling tough conversations.?

But one area some of us find tough - but shouldn’t - is expressing appreciation to colleagues, friends and family. Sometimes, a heartfelt thank you can be 100x more powerful than pointing out what’s wrong.

Just this week I heard this quote (allegedly made by the father of iconic singer, Bob Dylan):?

“Even if you don't have all the things you want, be grateful for the things you don't have that you don't want.”?

It’s a helpful reminder of how, whether we’re the receiver of thanks or the giver, gratitude can lift our moods. It also helps us remember that however bad our problems are, they could nearly always be worse.

To give a meaningful thank you, it’s important to be specific, sincere, and timely.?

For example, instead of a generic "Thanks for your help," you might say, "Thank you for staying late to finish that report. Your dedication made a big difference, and I really appreciate it."?

For more on this, check out How to Give a Meaningful Thank You ?from Harvard Business Review. Don’t be stingy with your thanks; give it a try. Identify two or three people (or more!) who'd benefit from your gratitude.

Sincerely thank your kids for the precious time you’ve spent together over the summer holidays (despite sibling arguments and constant snacking!) or your colleague for covering for you when you took time off, and see what happens.?

As always, keep in touch and if you have any comments or thoughts about anything I’ve shared, drop me a line. I know you're busy, and I'm grateful you took the time to open and read this email. Thank you????

Shola???

P.S. Here are a few things you might want to do after reading this newsletter:

1. To view a list of Shola's speech descriptions, go to: https://sholakaye.com/sd
2. And if you’re looking for Leadership talks and training, go to: https://sholakaye.com/empathy-skills-for-leaders-and-managers
3. Book a keynote enquiry call here: https://sholakaye.com/30