April 2022
Strategies for Success Newsletter April 2022 Issue 196
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Published by Emily Huling Selling Strategies
www.sellingstrategies.com
Copyright 2022 Emily Huling. All rights reserved.
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In this April 2022 issue:
- Thoughts from the Office
- Thoughts from Road
- Josmo’s Cafe
- Stay Energized
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- Thoughts from the Office
Overcoming mediocrity
Do you get up in the morning, look in the mirror and say, “Today, I’m going to be mediocre?” I bet not.
Yet mediocrity is a funny thing. It sneaks up on you. A person can start out gung-ho about their work then BAM – an idea is shot down, there haven’t been raises in 3 years, a project doesn’t go as planned, a client is ungrateful, and coworkers are increasingly annoying. Disengagement sets in.
Here’s what I know from my consulting and coaching work. The exact same situations that manifest in mediocrity are the same situations that will drive others to be leaders.
Leadership is not about having a title or a big position. Front-line leaders are even more important to organizational success than those calling the shots.
Here are four ways to avoid mediocrity and help drive success.
Be a catalyst for positive and profitable change. When you’ve identified a stumbling block and have an idea to overcome it, be proactive. Here’s my recommended framework to state the case with the higher powers. 1. What is the issue? 2. Who is affected? 3. What’s it costing the company in time, money, loss of revenues, reputation, etc. 4. Describe your recommended solution. 5. List the benefits of the solution to all parties affected. 6. Offer to be part of the solution.
Build consensus. It’s tempting to join the crowd with complaints about changes in work environment, procedure, or position duties. It’s better for you and your employer if you help others understand the reason for the change. Voice support to coworkers for everyone to move forward together.
Train and develop others. What experience do you have that can help others do their jobs more productively and proficiently? Step up to share your knowledge and expertise.
Be a role model. We all observe others’ appearance, communication with others, work habits, office friendships, breakroom etiquette, meeting participation, etc. That means each of us is under the spotlight. When you think no one is watching, they are. Our reputations are made through simple day-to-day activities and interactions. Every day, be the best you can be.
I am inspired by the energy, optimism, and actions of the front-line leaders I work with who help drive both business and personal success. If you feel mediocrity settling in, know you can change that.
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- Thoughts from the Road
Pressing through
I knew that look the moment I saw it.
As a frequent flyer with early boarding privileges, I had already settled into my aisle seat. I usually ignore the 100-200 people boarding after me, but for some reason I looked up. I saw a young woman frantically looking at her boarding pass and then at the seat numbers posted overhead. First time flyer I guessed. I caught her eye. “Can I help you find your seat?” I asked. “Yes,” she replied with a sigh of relief. Her seat was directly in front of me, so I helped her get herself and her bag situated. Another sigh. “Thank you so much.”
When the plane landed in Minneapolis, we exited and walked side-by-side to the nearest restroom. “Do you have a connection?” I asked. “Yes” she said, eyes wide as she looked around at the huge terminal. I told her I had loads of time and could help her find her gate. On the long walk, we chatted.
Savannah told me it was her first time flying. I smiled. She was 22 and a new dialysis technician on her way to a training class. I praised her for such a good career choice. She said the hardest part isn’t the schooling, it’s all the other stuff that scares her. Like flying. She then said with quiet determination “I’ve decided I’m not going to let things that scare me stop me from living a great life.”
Moral of the story. Consider what you are losing out on by allowing anxiety and fear (Fantasized Experiences Appearing Real) get in the way. Press through to gain new experiences and broaden your world.
Originally published December 2016
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- Josmo’s Café
Spring is in the air! John and I are making the shift from warm comfort foods to lighter fare. Our favorite salad recipe is worth featuring again. Our friend Richard’s recipe for California Salad has yummy ingredients and a sweet homemade dressing. It’s so good it’s tempting to simply drink it from the jar! Speaking of homemade dressing, we’ve started making our own Honey Mustard Dressing using my cousin Beth’s recipe. It’s fabulous!
We have over 100 recipes on our Josmo’s Café page on the website.
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- Stay Energized
Our Energizer Minute for April is The in between.
Are computers male or female? If you need a two-minute laugh, this is it!
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Strategies for Success Newsletter is published by Emily Huling Selling Strategies. For further information, contact emily@sellingstrategies.com.
© 2022 Emily Huling Selling Strategies All rights reserved.