How easy is it for you to change a plan and let go of your expectations? Discovering your effortless flexibility as a team leader can be the make or break of a day at work.
How to develop flexibility
Getting to know our habitual thinking patterns intimately allows us to develop greater flexibility at work and in our relationships. Using a process like inquiry, we consider what we believed to be true. As our mind learns to entertain different perspectives, we discover a treasure trove of possibilities. Our mind learns to look at life from a wider perspective. Changing direction becomes easy and fluid.
Trees should grow straight up
Last year on our cross-country ski we met this old fir tree. What made it so striking was that it obviously had changed direction in its life at least twice – not so common in a tree. Part of its old branches are dry and broken, but the main trunk is thick and healthy-looking, with richly red bark and sturdy roots. Compared to the other trees around it the trunk is comparatively thicker than other trees of the same height. Also – you know, it’s got personality! It’s literally standing out.
Of course, we know that the ability to change direction is an imperative quality in a team leader.
You make a decision, move towards a goal, and reassess the direction as you go. You continue if all looks great, and change if it doesn’t.
And how about the process of change – Is it easy for you?
Just because we know we should be able to doesn’t make it automatically easy to change with confidence. Doubt and expectations may hamper your ease in changing, even if only sometimes. Which are the thinking processes that keep you going to try just a little longer despite your inner voice telling you to pivot? Or are you even too flexible, changing a plan before giving something a chance?
Knowing yourself and others
When you are aware of your thinking and your motivations you are a huge step ahead. You get to know your fears, your triggers, and your blind spots. Knowing your own shortcomings makes it easier to see them – and be compassionate about them – in your team as well. It improves your ability to direct if you understand your people’s strengths and weaknesses clearly. You can work with them efficiently just as they are, instead of wishing them to be different, or arguing against them.
Letting go of what others might think and do about your new direction leaves all your energy for implementation. Communicate well and trust your own inner voice. Notice your doubts, irritations, and fears, and take some time to investigate their truth with a process like inquiry. This will continue to grow your self-knowledge, confidence, compassion, and your natural flexibility as a team leader.
Can you create a habitat for authentic expression around you?
As I was looking at that beautiful tree I was imagining a forest full of trees like this one. It would be so diverse and so fun! Thick trunks would be going in all directions, creating places to sit and play. They create diverse habitats for different species, including us humans. If we as leaders could grow such forests in our workplaces I envision us being more open and honest, intertwined and complimenting each other. We could be sharing our spaces authentically and lovingly. We could be creating thriving natural habitats at work.
Discovery for you:
If you’re interested to explore inquiry to improve your professional performance, let’s chat! Click here to book a free Stress-Free Career Strategy call with me.
