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TAKE THE TIME TO INVEST IN YOURSELF BY INVESTING IN OTHERS

Shandel Sutherland • April 21, 2024

3-MINUTE READ


As a leader, what are you missing that would help you achieve “the next level'?  Chances are it is a person. Even more likely it is a  person who is in the next room or down the hall from you at this very moment!  Yet, we sit stressed and maxed out as they sit underutilized and bored.  They desire meaning, mentoring and challenge, while we desire initiative and productivity. Still, both parties sit in their comfortable and familiar rut. This is a very poor utilization of assets and leaves huge profits on the table.


THE ART OF INVESTING


Think of your time as you would your money. A wise person thinks in a  long-term manner about their money and how to spend and/or invest it  for the greatest ROI (return on investment.) Consider the focus, time,  and energy you devote to making, saving, and investing money for a  specifically defined purpose. Now, that is exactly how you need to approach the time you invest in the people in your sphere of influence;  and it is an art.  A skill that must be learned and then uniquely applied according to each individual who can share in accomplishing the goal. 


STEPS ON INVESTING IN OTHERS


1. You must have clarity about what you are trying to accomplish. What outcomes you want to focus on  and why does it matter? Is the vision compelling enough to get others involved and want to share in the ownership? 


2. Focus on the few things only you and you alone can do. What are the unique strengths that you bring to the vision that no one else possesses on the team?  What are the other things or tasks you are currently doing (and yes, we know you can do them well) but others could do just as good if not better? Make a list and identify the ones that steal the most time.


3. Find people that have the strengths and abilities to do the tasks you have identified. Before you approach them, work through all the fears you have about delegating, letting go, and giving up control. You may need your coach for this portion.


4. Connect with the person you would like to delegate your tasks to and make sure you have plenty of time to talk it out and get buy-in.   Share your vision and your goal of investing in the person's professional and personal growth by passing on these specific tasks.  Press for push back, find all the holes together, make sure you have healthy conflict to vet out all their fears and share your concerns as well.


5. Train the person on how you currently do the task.


A: Show/tell them how to do it.

B: Do it with them.

C: Observe them as they do it for you.

D: Coach them as they do it without you.

E: Trust them as they do it alone.

F: Check in often and create space for continuous improvement.


You have just invested in one of your people and they are feeling  empowered and trusted. Equally as important, you have just opened up a  huge amount of time to operate in your strength and talent which you  alone do best. It is now time to do it again and again until you are  only operating in your strengths!


What do you think about investing in yourself by investing in others?


Your Coach,


Shandel Sutherland

Breaking the Cycle of Misery: A Leadership Journey

By Shandel Sutherland • November 24, 2024
Introduction Have you ever felt trapped in a cycle of stress, frustration, and burnout? As leaders, it's easy to get caught up in the day-to-day grind and lose sight of what truly matters. In this blog post, we'll explore the concept of the "cycle of misery" and how to break free from it. Understanding the Cycle of Misery The cycle of misery is a common trap that many leaders fall into. It's characterized by a negative mindset, a focus on problems, and a tendency to blame others. When we're in this cycle, we become our own worst enemies, constantly worrying and stressing over things that are outside of our control. Key Signs of the Cycle of Misery: Fear and Insecurity: Feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about the future. Anger and Frustration: Blaming others for problems and taking things personally. Lack of Confidence: Doubting your abilities and questioning your decisions. Isolation: Withdrawing from others and avoiding social interaction. Negativity: Focusing on the negative aspects of situations and people. Breaking Free from the Cycle To break free from the cycle of misery, we must focus on the following: Self-Awareness: Recognize the signs of the cycle and be honest with yourself about your current state. Mindfulness: Practice mindfulness techniques to stay present and reduce stress. Positive Self-Talk: Challenge negative thoughts and replace them with positive affirmations. Seek Support: Talk to a mentor, coach, or therapist to gain perspective and guidance. Prioritize Self-Care: Make time for activities that you enjoy and that help you relax. Focus on Solutions: Instead of dwelling on problems, focus on finding solutions. Connect with Others: Build strong relationships with colleagues, friends, and family. The Healthy Cycle of Growth In contrast to the cycle of misery, the healthy cycle of growth is characterized by positivity, resilience, and a focus on solutions. By cultivating a growth mindset and practicing self-care, we can break free from the cycle of misery and achieve our full potential. Conclusion Remember, it's okay to experience challenges and setbacks. The key is to recognize when we're slipping into the cycle of misery and take proactive steps to break free. By focusing on our values, practicing self-care, and connecting with others, we can create a more fulfilling and rewarding life.

Lead with Authenticity

By Jake Hinton • October 7, 2024
Embark on a transformative leadership journey where authenticity meets growth. This article delves into the pathways taken by a CEO to foster authentic leadership, emphasizing the shift from comfort zones to growth areas. Explore how resilience, accountability, and value alignment pave the way for effective leadership. By understanding oneself and embracing challenges, leaders can inspire their teams and nurture organizational success. Join us in uncovering the ripple effect of personal growth and its impact on building strong, authentic relationships.
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