How to LEARN effectively?

 

How to LEARN effectively?  
(Execution Excellence -"Ability to get things done" Series)

As we have discussed the relevance of curiosity to learn new things on being energetic in the workplace, let us understand the different approaches to learning.

Information access is not a problem in today's internet age like earlier. However, authentic learning is about understanding the concept, its application, its variation in different contexts, and its insights.
 
There are various approaches to learning, and one needs to choose the choice of combination consistently.
 
Self-learning:

Get interested in any subject  /topic, pick up suitable media like books, online courses, and YouTube videos, listen to expert interviews, attend seminars, etc.

This type of learning needs self-initiative, interest, and focus.

At the beginning of my career, fortunately, one of my bosses introduced me to many books on manufacturing systems, which helped me get more interested in those subjects. Eventually, i extended to other subjects, which improved my learning interest.

Observing others @ workplace:

Observing others @ workplace is one of the most effective learning processes for developing behavior and management style. We shall observe the bosses, colleagues even junior colleagues from whom we can learn what to do and don't. (Good and bad behavior).

Through observation, i learned a lot from my bosses about handling conflicts and the communication process, 

You might have realized some of the mannerisms you got from your bosses and peers as they inspired and impacted you.
 
Being part of a cross-functional team:
 
Working with a diverse team is one of the best ways to learn more about ourselves. It brings a new dimension to our skills in managing interpersonal aspects, persuasion skills, and ability to tolerate others. When we work with others, we become vulnerable and expose our natural strengths and weakness of ourselves. That introspection will be effective learning.
 
People will learn more in a project management environment of any size than in a functional setup. That is why some organizations encourage more of the CFT approach in solving organizational problems in which people learn and contribute more, and the energy level would be enhanced.

Learning through Teaching :

The learning pyramid model advocates that one can learn more by teaching others than by any other form of learning.
Teaching means sharing what you learned with others the way they understand. In the process, you are thinking more about the concept, its application, and its example and learning the art of communication.
This teaching process will make our learning more effective as we internalize it.

Where can we start teaching?

We can start teaching with our colleagues and internal team. As a manager/leader, one must spend time with others to share their experiences and learnings. Teaching makes us effective learners of concepts and communication skills. Teaching needs passion and patience.
 
In summary,

• learning can occur in any format and combination, depending on the individual and subject.
• We must be aware of the learning approaches and open enough for continuous learning, as learning will shape us to the next level and be energetic.

 
Have a great week ahead!

 

Self-regulation -Curiosity to LEARN

 Self-regulation -Curiosity to LEARN 

(Execution Excellence -"Ability to get things done" Series)

 

As we outlined self-regulation practices to keep our energy level, we mentioned the mindset of acceptance, enhancing the circle of care, looking at everything from a TIME perspective, etc. One more important aspect i have observed in most effective people is a curiosity to LEARN.
 
Curiosity to LEARN :

Curiosity to learn means a strong desire to learn something NEW in the domain or field we work or something beyond the domain or field.

Learning continuously enhances our perspective about the domain, and the intent to learn makes us more energetic.

One interesting personality i came across in my consulting experience. I always admire his curiosity to learn something. Whenever i interact with him, he used to display pleasant looks and a high energy level, which i attribute to his interest in learning something new.

He has been from the financial domain throughout his career and claims to be a senior citizen!. Still, he works in a manufacturing organization to engage himself and actively contribute his experiences. He used to attend all my sessions. In one of the sessions, i  taught the complicated manufacturing system concept, which most engineers usually find difficult to understand and apply with ease. Even though he is from a financial background, he took the lead in using the concept in his manufacturing division and brought some clarity to his colleagues.
 
He could have excused himself by stating that the concept is far from his core finance domain or age limitations. What made him learn some complicated manufacturing subject is his curiosity to learn. He keeps himself engaged and displays high energy in his work.

Even today, he is a voracious reader of books on management, leadership, and philosophy, and he regularly recommends some books to me. Some of the books we mentioned here are all from his recommendation only.

i am correlating his energy level with his curiosity to learn.

The important learning is, irrespective of our age and background if we develop the curiosity to learn something new and keep ourselves engaged, it brings a unique perspective to our lives and makes us more energetic. 

People follow the person who displays energy in the workplace than passively.

 Have a great week ahead.

Self-regulation practices to maintain high energy level

 Self-regulation practices to maintain high energy level

(Execution Excellence -"Ability to get things done" Series)
 

In continuation of last week's discussion on how to manage energy levels when things are not going well in the workplace either on a specific day or specified duration, one  of the powerful self-regulation practices discussed was "Acceptance." The practice of acceptance will help to realize the reality and move along with the flow rather than fighting and losing energy.
 
The other methods by which we can maintain our energy level during low-energy situations from my experience are as follows
 
Looking at the situation from the TIME perspective:
 
Any low or high-energy situations never last forever. It looks unmanageable during the tough time, but when we look at the event after some time, it seems to be nothing. For example, we were clueless during covid lockdown, and for most of us, that situation was challenging. Looking back now, the situation's intensity seems small after three years.

The point is any good or bad situation does not last forever, and from a time perspective, any event becomes insignificant from a longer time perspective.

That is why philosophically, there is a saying This too shall pass.
 
Create a space for your inner comfort :

We need to enhance our circle of people, places, or activities which can boost our energy level and make us comfortable when we are down in a workplace situation.

For example, one of my friends was not adequately recognized in his organization for a long time, and others perceived it as an injustice to him. However, he never bothered about that recognition and constantly engaged in charity work and volunteering in NGO activities. I realized he was more comfortable in the workplace because he had other activities to compensate for his energy level.

At least we need to have some trusted people in our circle( could be spouses or friends or mentors) with whom we can share everything by which we can feel comfortable.

The key point is that we need to find a space to be comfortable in low-energy situations.

There could be some other self-regulation practices each one can find to manage the low energy situations
 
The idea of self-regulation practice is to manage any situation with a balanced approach so that our energy level will be high at the workplace to get things done.

Have a great week ahead!

How to manage energy during challenging times?

  How to manage energy during challenging times? 

(Execution Excellence -"Ability to get things done" Series)

 

We are discussing the methods by which effective people stay energetic in the workplace, enabling them to get things done efficiently.
 
One of my friends asked a question that is relevant to this topic. The question is, " Not all days, things will go as we wish. How do we manage high energy levels when the situation is unfavorable?" 

True...Not all days, things will go as we like. Situations like customers firing us, colleagues or junior colleagues in agitation mode, conflict with peers, or inordinate delays in getting things done due to beyond our control lead to disappointment, anger, and frustration.

How do we maintain a high energy level, at least, to be in a balanced mood?

Experts in emotional intelligence suggest the practice of self-regulation.
 
Self-regulation means the ability/ skill to deal with our emotions calmly and deliberate about how we want to show up at work and move on.
 
One of the self-regulation practices is Acceptance.
 
Acceptance :

Acceptance of situations or people is a very powerful self-regulation practice.

For example, imagine a situation where you must meet your customer to propose solutions for a problem, and your important colleague is much more familiar with the subject than you need to accompany you. Last minute, he/ she withdraws from participation for silly or manageable reasons. You are wondering whether it happens by chance or by choice of a colleague whom you do not like much in general.
Now you need to face the customer independently and get the proposal acceptable. Else it would affect your creditability. That is reality.

Would you get upset with the situation, worry about the outcome, blame or get angry with your colleagues for last-minute withdrawal, feel helpless to manage alone, or accept the situation and colleague as such?

We often do not accept and tend to go against reality, putting more pressure on our peace.

When we accept the situation and acknowledge the feeling, we can mentally manage the situation relatively well. Acceptance will give you the mental strength to think about the next step.

In contrast, when we do not accept the situation or people as such, we are still in the mode of negative emotions, which further drains our energy level.

Misunderstanding about Acceptance:

Acceptance does not mean that we have given up and accepted the mediocre. It is all about grounding ourselves with reality, acknowledging the negative emotions at that moment, and preparing ourselves to think about the next actions rather than fighting against reality.
 
Is it easy to be in an acceptance mindset always?

It is not easy for all to accept the situation and people. However, when we practice in small events, it helps us to manage higher challenges in the workplace.

For example, when you are stuck in traffic, are you accepting the situation calmly or blaming/being restless? Those are the moments that test our acceptance capability.
 
That awareness of Acceptance is a self-regulation practice to be at a positive energy level.

Let us discuss some other self-regulation practices next week.
 
Have a great week ahead.

Work with passion

  Work with passion 

(Execution Excellence -"Ability to get things done" Series)

As we discussed how we could enhance our energy level in the workplace to inspire and influence others to get things done, we discussed some of the practices by effective people, like self-compassion, responsibility, and starting the day with leisure rituals. In line with this, the next ultimate energy booster is doing the work with passion.

The meaning of passion is a strong liking, love, desire, or devotion to something.

Doing anything with passion or love will boost your energy level, which you might have experienced many times in the workplace. Passion comes only when we know that our work aligns with our higher purpose and values. Some people are gifted enough to find their passion at a young age and find a career in line with it. They do what they love.

However, in reality, it is different for all people. Finding and doing work wholly aligned with purpose is rare. They have to love what they do.

For them, it is essential to realize two things.

1. first, realize that every work has an inherent purpose and contributes to others, the organization, and society.
2. they need to find meaning in their work by changing the perspective of the work itself.

How to find meaning in work?

How we look at our work changes the perception of our work. In turn, it kindles our passion. one of the following popular stories will relate to it.

Once three people were working on the bridge construction. The stranger approached the first person and asked what he was doing. The person said, "Can't you see i am laying stones?." The stranger quickly moved on to the second person and asked the same question. The person replied, "I am working on my income to care for myself and my family."

      The stranger moved on to the third person and asked him what he was doing. The person replied smilingly, "I am building a bridge; once the bridge construction is over, many people will pass on. I am helping others to move fast. This bridge will be here centuries after I am gone."    

       This is a well-known story, and the profound message is that how you look at your work with a higher purpose makes a difference in your quality of work and life. Irrespective of our profession, we are doing our bit to benefit others. 

When we realize the purpose of our work in the big picture, the work will enhance our energy level in the workplace.

The key point is to do what you love or love what you do... You need to get high energy from work. People follow the person who demonstrates high energy and enthusiasm.

Have a great week ahead...

Book -Design by Change

 Book -Design by Change 

(Execution Excellence -"Ability to get things done" Series)
 

Recently, i had read the book " Change by Design " as suggested by one of my client's CEO.

The Author, Tim Brown, is running a consultancy firm and is a pioneer  in applying design thinking to solve some of the business challenges in fortune companies, including Microsoft, Apple, etc

This book is about expanding our thinking process to solve problems involving technical feasibility, business viability, and people desirables.

Some years back, when i heard the term " design thinking. i assumed that it is more about technical designers improving their design capabilities. After reading this book, the insight i learned that design thinking is not restricted to technical designers; the concept of holistic problem-solving and changing the problem scope into a project can be applied by any professional to bring more creative, significant results, especially for business-related challenges.

This book will enhance your perspective if you are looking for holistic thinking to solve a problem.

https://amzn.to/40NLLlo

Have a new learning and a great week ahead.

How do effective people manage their energy? Taking Responsibility

 How do effective people manage their energy? Taking Responsibility

(Execution Excellence -"Ability to get things done" Series)
 

 

We are discussing the mindset and practices of highly effective people for being at a high energy level in the workplace, through which they get the power to influence others to get things done. In line with that, we have discussed the importance of self-compassion and starting the day with leisure and rituals.

The next practice we can observe in the most effective people is taking responsibility and stopping blaming game.

The definition of responsibility is the mental ability to respond to a situation.

When we confront an adverse situation in the workplace, either we own the problem or blame others for being in the situation.



When we own the situation, we tend to find solutions by fixing the process or educating the people. In this process, we eventually near to solutions or solve the problem. When we are part of the solutions, we feel elated and tend to be at a high energy level thereon.

Whereas, when we blame others, others find a reason to defend or reciprocate the blaming. In this process, we tend to be upset, angry, helpless, and, in turn, feel low energy levels.

The choice of taking responsibility help.

How do people demonstrate responsibility in adverse situations?

One of my bosses is very sharp in observation; the moment he realizes something is wrong in the situation due to some people, he immediately responds with the statement, " Ok, what needs to be done now?

The statement is powerful and turns all the people to look toward the solutions instead of looking for someone to blame. He sets the culture of taking responsibility in the organization rather than creating chaos through blaming and arguing. That is the power of taking responsibility.

To get a sense of responsibility, suggest experimenting next time when you confront adverse workplace situations.

Taking responsibility will give us a higher energy level than being inactive or blaming others. Awareness and practice help us to become more energetic in the workplace.

Have a great week ahead.

How do effective people manage their energy? Self-compassion

 How do effective people manage their energy?

 Self-compassion 
(Execution Excellence -"Ability to get things done" Series)

 

In continuation of last week's discussion on how effective people manage energy levels at the workplace so that they always display enthusiasm and balanced mental emotions to get things done, one more energy booster is self-compassion.

Self-compassion:

Self-compassion is being kind to ourselves whenever we fail, make mistakes or feel low.

For example, when some of our friends feel low due to a mistake, we tend to look at things from a distance and be kind to our friends. But, when we make mistakes, we are harsh ourselves and self-critics. That is due to a lack of self-compassion. When we do not understand ourselves and are kind enough, that moment drains our energy level further.

The ability to differentiate between our decision and self-worth improves our energy level. Some people are trained to be more self-compassionate despite failures or mistakes. They tend to bounce back from low energy levels quickly.

I have a friend who is a serial entrepreneur who has ventured into many businesses in the last 20 years, and unfortunately, many failed or shut down due to bad decisions. From a materialistic perspective, the world may perceive him as yet to be a successful entrepreneur, but what i have observed in him is a real example of self-compassion.

He always presents himself with professional attire and a smiley look and is highly energetic during any conversation. He is very active in the task throughout the day and always strives to be better in his profession. Not even a single instance he regretted his mistakes and self-critic himself.

He is clear in differentiating the wrong decisions and being a good person. That is the essence of self-compassion. He can differentiate his bad decisions/outcomes and himself as worthy. That is self-compassion. ( There is a thin line difference between being self-critical and self-realization of mistakes). i always look up to him whenever i feel low.
 
In professional life, we are bound to make many mistakes due to our decisions, thoughts, and actions. How we react when things go wrong affects our ability to differentiate ourselves and our decisions.

It is challenging to be self-compassionate as most of us choose to be harsh or blame others or the environment. It needs awareness and practice of looking at ourselves with kindness and differentiating from our mistakes.

Being self-compassionate helps to be at a high energy level, at least not at a low energy level.

Pl relate how much you are kind to yourself when you make mistakes..

Have a great week ahead.

How good are you at managing energy?

 How good are you at managing energy?   

(Execution Excellence -"Ability to get things done" Series)

Last week, we discussed the importance of managing energy at the self-level to get things done from others in a professional environment.

I came across a checklist devised by Tony Schwartz, the Author of the book " The power of full engagement," which broadly indicates our energy management level.

This checklist may help assess our energy management level on a day-to-day basis.
 
Please Tick the statements below that are valid for you.

Body

• I don't regularly get at least seven to eight hours of sleep, and I often wake up feeling tired.
•  I frequently skip breakfast or settle for something that isn't nutritious.
•  I don't work out enough.
•  I don't take regular breaks during the day to truly renew and recharge

Emotions

• I frequently feel irritable, impatient, or anxious at work, especially when work is demanding.
• I don't have enough time with my family, and when I'm with them, I'm not always really with them.
• I have too little time for the activities I most deeply enjoy.
• I don't have time to express my appreciation to others and feel grateful for my accomplishments.

Mind

• I have difficulty focusing on one thing at a time, and I am easily distracted during the day by email and social media / WhatsApp
• I spend much of my day reacting to immediate crises and demands rather than focusing on activities with longer-term value.
• I don't take enough time for reflection, strategizing, and creative thinking.
• I work in the evenings or on weekends, and I rarely take an e-mail–free vacation.

Spirit

• I don't spend enough time at work doing what I enjoy best.
• There are significant gaps between what I say is most important to me and how I allocate my time and energy.
• My decisions at work are more often influenced by external demands than by a strong, clear sense of my purpose.
• I don't invest enough time and energy to make a positive difference to others or the world.

How is your overall energy?

Total number of statements checked: __

Guide to scores

0–3: Excellent energy management skills
4–6: Reasonable energy management skills
7–10: Significant energy management deficits
11–16: Energy management crisis
 
Having an awareness of the existing SKILL LEVEL in managing energy level,we can talk about the practical ways to improve energy management in all aspects in the next week.
 
Have a great week ahead.

Managing Energy

  Managing Energy

(Execution Excellence -"Ability to get things done" Series)
 

As we discuss the art of getting things done in the workplace, managers/ leaders must organize themselves effectively.

We have discussed some elements of self-organization like Time Management, Managing expectations, being focused and Building Trust.

The next important element in self-organizing is Managing Energy. 
 
Managing Energy is all about how we are well-being physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
 
Why is managing Energy essential?

All energies are interrelated.
When we do not manage any one of the energy levels, it will affect other energy. Eventually, it will affect the performance and execution capabilities. For example, when we are not well physically due to some pain, it affects us emotionally as feeling low, mentally we are not in a position to concentrate on anything, and we disconnect from our purpose (spiritually).

Energy is contagious.
When you observe people with high energy levels, they always display a pleasing appearance, say a smiling face, firm tone, straight posture, and present themselves with enthusiasm. We also tend to be at a high energy level in their presence. That is why when we attend any motivational training program, the trainer displays high energy, and we are also at a high energy level. After the program, we return to our natural energy level and seek a similar energizing experience.

In a professional context, when the leader is not at a high energy level and displays a lack of enthusiasm in walking, talking, and carrying out routines, the followers also lose their energy.
No one would like to work with a lousy person with low energy levels.

You may relate to your experience with some people.

I have worked with one very charismatic, soft, and firm-spoken boss, always with enthusiasm. Everyone liked to work with him, and i never said no to him when he assigned some tasks. Relatively, he used to get things done easily. He was respected by all and quite successful in his career. The one thing i can attribute to his success is his highly energetic, enthusiastic, and influential power in the workplace.
 
From this perspective, maintaining a high energy level and being active are essential.

Let us discuss some practical ways people enhance their energy levels next week.

Have a great week ahead!