Putting a spring in your step

Welcome! Great to see you here. It's March. Already. I feel a spring in my step!

Thank you for tuning into this, the second edition of the Back to Humanity newsletter. Each month I'm pulling together a range of things I hope you'll find interesting and most importantly helpful.

In this edition I share some practical tips on how to become more psychologically safe, I mention a few tools I have used to help people describe how they are feeling (building that self awareness, which is the foundation of Emotional Intelligence) and there's a midweek break in Cornwall up for grabs! Yep, you heard that right, a free five night stay at a cheeky little apartment by the sea!

First of all - you might like to attend...

Book 'em baby!

17 March. 'Winning on Purpose' is the new book from Fred Reichheld, the creator of Net Promoter Score. Fred is an inspirational character and this book takes a good look at loyalty derived from a compelling purpose. This is a Medallia webinar and it's free. You can grab more information and your ticket here: https://bit.ly/3sxzin0

31 March. For those of you up for some face to face events, I think that this could be a treat, especially if you are in the vicinity of London. An evening event at the RSA called 'Emotional Intelligence and the science of Wellbeing workshop' with Marina Abel Smith https://bit.ly/3MjpPaw - tickets start at ￡16.

28 June. I know that this one is ages away, but they book up! This is a virtual workshop on Playfulness which I think is brilliant. It's also run by The School of Life, an awesome organisation all about self development. Tickets start at ￡60. https://bit.ly/3IDoMQy

"From where I'm standing": Empathy delivered to your ears...You don't have to book this podcast into your diary. Tune in. Let me know what you think....https://www.empathymuseum.com/podcast/

Practical tips

'Psychological Safety' seems to be a popular topic again and I wanted to share a few practical things you could do to build it with your team. If you are new to the topic, check this Inside Out interview (with Amy Edmondson who came up with the term) https://bit.ly/3tollqt

1. Show your understanding: a) recap what's said to confirm a collective understanding, "What I think I heard you say was xx" b) avoid placing blame saying something like 'why did you do this?' and focus on the solutions 'how can we work toward making sure this goes more smoothly next time?' c) Think about your facial expressions (you can't do anything about your micro-expressions, but the faces you make after the initial reaction can be influenced by you)...are they unintentionally negative?
2. Be present: a) engage and focus on the conversation - turn off notifications and don't read emails if you are remote and close your laptop if you are face to face. b) ask questions with the intention of learning from your teammates, not with the mission to guess what they are going to say next! c) respond verbally to show engagement 'that makes sense', 'tell me more'
3. Use your interpersonal skills: a) express gratitude for contribution from the team b) clearly communicate the purpose of ad hoc meetings scheduled outside the normal or regular sessions. c) share information about your personal work style and preferences, encourage teammates to do the same.
4. Involve others in decisions: a) make sure that the decision can be influenced by contribution and that it isn't a 'done deal' b) don't interrupt or allow interruptions when someone is contributing to a discussion about the decision. c) explain the reasoning behind the decision that will finally be taken after you have heard all of the ideas. d) walk through how the decision was made. e) be open to challenge and respond calmly.
5. Show confidence but be approachable: a) empower others to manage team discussions (don't allow side conversations, interruptions, make sure challenge is not personal. b) use a voice tone that is clear and audible in a team setting and check this - don't assume that you can be heard. c) Invite the team to challenge your perspective d) model courage, share your personal perspective on work and learning (not failures) with your team. You're human too!

Tools to help you talk about emotions

Here is a link to some pretty cool resources you may like to consider if you're looking to have more open and 'real' conversations with your work colleagues or even the rest of your family! We'll chat more about these example resources in the April's newsletter.

A. The Emotional Culture Deck: https://www.ridersandelephants.com/the-emotional-culture-deck

B. The box of Emotions: https://www.laurenceking.com/product/the-box-of-emotions/

C. eMotion Feeling Cards: https://products.6seconds.org/shop/emotion-feeling-cards/

Your chance to win a five night stay by the sea!

About 18 months ago I thought I would create a 'customer' experience of my own. I launched Number Seven, a one bedroom self catering apartment at Watergate Bay in North Cornwall. It's been an incredible experience for me (full of learning) and for the wonderful guests who have chosen to stay (judging by their feedback).

Here's some more info about the property: www.stayatwatergatebay.com

Here are some details of the prize:

Check in: Sunday 5th June 2022 (from 5pm) - Check out: Friday 10th June 2022 (around 9am). Watergate Bay is about 10 minutes north (by car) of Newquay and 20 minutes south (by car) of Padstow.

Some conditions (which sound a bit like a 'no list' but it's best to be clear) - I will send full terms and conditions to prize entrants. The apartment has one bedroom with a double bed and one double sofa bed in the living room. Sleeps a maximum of four people. No pets I'm afraid. The cost of transport to, from and during your stay is not included in this prize. There are no cash alternatives. Winners must use the apartment during the dates available. The prize is not transferable to other people. The winner will be selected at random from all entries accepted. The closing date for the prize entry is: 31 March 2022 at 12pm GMT. Winner will be notified by email on 1 April 2022. Promoter is Sandra Thompson ([email protected]). Entry to the prize draw is only valid through the google form, link below.

All you have to do to apply: Answer the two questions (plus your details) in this form and keep your fingers crossed. Here is the form: https://bit.ly/3HAtY6B

P.S - Last month I offered a free bag of HARRODS coffee to anyone willing to enter the prize draw. Either the link to the coffee prize draw didn't work or you guys are more keen on tea. We don't have a winner for that prize! More learning.

Want to know more?

This newsletter is brought to you by Sandra Thompson, Founder of the Ei Evolution, a CX and EX consultancy. You can follow Sandra here: https://www.dhirubhai.net/in/cxeisandra/ and find out more about what she does here: https://www.eievolution.com