(new) Ways-of-Thinking
In a previous blog, I offered three (new) Ways-of-Working to better serve us as we move through the current times. In this blog, I offer three (new) Ways-of-Thinking that I hope you find helpful to lean into and create a new normal.
By thinking in new ways, we open ourselves to new possibilities. Step forward into what could be, with courage, curiosity, and confidence. I invite you reflect on the following:
- Tyranny of distance – is now a mere figment of our imagination. Our virtual ‘connect-ability’ makes ‘geo-distancing’ less of a reason why things cannot happen or an excuse why things did not happen. We have demonstrated we can do what we need to, from wherever we choose to. All that matters is we deliver great work. Where we deliver it from, is now less important.
- Be stood-down or stand-down – workforce flexibility has moved beyond the binary, ‘hire or fire’ and ‘permanent or contract’. There is now a third alternative; ‘be stood-down or stand-down'. Flexibility works both ways. Our security is less dependent upon securing employment; its more dependent upon enhancing our employability. Our livelihoods are our responsibility. Think about how you would supplement your income when you are next stood-down. Now get onto it and give yourself the choice to stand-down, should that enable you to secure a more fulfilling and meaningful livelihood.
- Think optimistically, not positively – optimism is about belief, positivity is about hope. Belief is about confidence. Confidence manifests in the acceptance of uncertainty. Optimism is about recognising the possibilities in times of uncertainty – it’s about believing in your capacity and capability to adapt and adjust. Believing rather than hoping, opens us to new possibilities to live a more fulfilled and impactful life.
Think about it, and be open to what comes from your thoughts.
Take care and stay well
Bernard
I help executives and school leaders empower high-performing teams using the Powerful Conversations method so they can deliver extraordinary results and a culture of well-being in which people thrive.
4 年Your three ways of thinking trigger agreement. Steven Covey's articulation of circles of concern (often the world space), of influence (we space) and of control (me space) comes to mind. The world that we see has changed in part because we have changed (the ability to use the internet to overcome physical distance came long before Covid-19, even if many of us did not see the possibilities) and in part, because the physical world has actually changed. From a mood of optimisim, we will lookout for new possibilities to which we might be blind from moods of pessimism or even hope. The question that comes to mind is "What possibilities am I seeing for enhancing my employability, for living well and for contributing to a better way of living for all?" Thanks, Bernard for prompting me to reflect.