All— it’s been a minute since I last wrote, and I know like many of you, you’re trying to do about a million things. Work, back-to-(virtual?)-school, hopefully some time off to enjoy some Vitamin D.
I don’t know about all of you, but there is a sense of urgency in everything I’m doing lately. I love fall, the cool, crisp air, the seasons changing. I know some of you eagerly await your PSL (not so much for me, but I’m hip to it), and the comfort of settling into a new routine.
I’m guessing pumpkin spice is strictly a US thing? (trying to be culturally aware)
I am not a clinical psychologist, but for me, this urgency— I think it’s driven by PTSD of sorts stemming from the spring quarantine orders. The eerie quiet of the city, wiping off my groceries with Lysol wipes (still can’t find those wipes, BTW!) and feeling like the walls were caving in. My sense is that I’m not alone.
Bueller?
I’ve been like a squirrel trying to do a million things and getting distracted at every turn. Somewhere along the way, buying a Peloton became a hot topic in our house. We hemmed and hawed…they are not inexpensive and I’ve always kind of hesitated because I didn’t want it to be a super expensive & trendy clothes hanger. But since it doesn’t appear we will be going to a gym anytime soon— we decided to go for it.
The verdict?
My all time favorite GIF. I will basically use it anywhere I can. #becauseOprah
LOVE. IT.
Yes, my butt is sore (still getting used to riding) and I don’t know how to hi-five anyone yet— but I love that I can do it anytime, for any length of time, and choose music and stalk (yes, Instagram stalking) my favorite instructors. #codyrigsby
I’m a convert.
Right about now, you are wondering why you are reading a Peloton infomercial or debating the merits of pumpkin spiced items.
Let’s dive in.
I was talking a class the other day and the instructor was giving direction — increase resistance, climb for 15s, then recovery. 3x.
“Simple…. but not easy”, she said.
I took a couple seconds to digest the statement and started climbing. It got me thinking about MANY common issues that businesses work through— and why they get complicated so fast. Things like this.
Hiring great talent.
Evaluating employee performance.
Implementing new processes to mitigate risk.
Working through an acquisition and integration.
I can tell you— all of these things I’ve mentioned have pretty solid playbooks to follow. Said differently, they are all fairly basic when you strip down the activities to their basic steps. There are checklists, frameworks and presentations galore.
But let’s not get confused. Simple is not always easy.
Simple usually has the ability to look and feel “easy”, but if everything were simple— many of us would not have jobs.
Leaders, I want you to consider this when you are asking something of your team.
Do you know how many times I have heard, “they have NO idea how hard this is.” Too many to count.
When something is seemingly straightforward to you as a leader— take a beat and ask, “is this easy to do?” It’s a reflection of caring and empathy.
DUCK!
When you are preparing to have a performance conversation with an employee and considering the breadth and quality of their work— consider the degree of difficulty. Did they look like a duck skimming the surface of the water, but paddling furiously below the surface? What did you not see?
What I’m saying is that the next time you or your team are tackling something B-I-G and some senior leader (is it you?) says, “what’s the big deal? It’s simple!”
Understand that those words can belittle the expertise and talent of your peeps. (i.e.- don’t make people feel stupid)
More questions, less declarations— are always a good thing.
I am still learning this valuable lesson myself.
It might go a long way that “simple” is NOT synonymous with easy or uncomplicated. And it just might also might provide you a little space and grace as you work through your own challenges.
Be well, stay well, friends.
Jean
PS: good luck and best wishes to all of the students returning to school this week!
PS: let this also be a reminder when dealing with friends, family, shops, restaurants, service providers in your daily life outside work.
Nothing about what anyone is doing now is easy. You don’t know how hard they are paddling. #ducky