This Magical Technique Helps Overcome Challenges 🪄
A weekly roundup of the latest future of work and conscious leadership news and insights
Sometimes when we’re in the middle of a challenging situation, we feel cornered or stuck. It’s hard for us to see beyond the walls that seem to be closing in on us. Panicked because we can’t find the exit, we fall into lack of creativity, frustration, and feeling hopeless. During these times, we can’t see all the available options, even if they are literally right in front of us.
As a conscious leader, there’s a magical technique you can use for yourself and your team to help overcome this challenge. It’s called the magic wand exercise.
When someone being coached is describing a particularly difficult situation, they get caught in the drama, focused on the details, and unable to see how to extricate themselves. So I ask them, “If you had a magic wand and you could wave it over this whole mess, what would be the ideal outcome for you?”
Suddenly, the energy shifts and they are able to start seeing positive scenarios. Even if they defy logic, or don’t make sense in the moment (i.e., they’re magical), it breaks them out of their mental stalemate. And more often than not, the “illogical, magical” ideas they come up with end up being a path forward.
It’s a powerful technique because it shows us that we always have options. And even though we think something is never-gonna-happen, our limiting beliefs block magical things from happening.
We all have challenges in work and life. If you’re currently struggling with one, let’s connect. We can talk about what would happen if you wave your magic wand over a particularly vexing challenge. Imagine the possibilities for you and your team…
Here is some of the future of work and conscious leadership content I found interesting this week:
Harvard Business Review shared an article from the International Coaching Federation about why leaders need professional coaching now more than ever. Conscious leaders know that coaching and personal growth are the most important investments for themselves and their teams and the ICF shares statistics to verify it.
15Five shares how 94% of employees would stay at a job longer if their leaders invested in helping them feel like their role is a calling, not just a job. Conscious leaders are adept at tying work to purpose and ensuring the people in their organization are well cared for.
Fast Company describes how employee expectations are changing and how organizations need to shift in order to retain top talent. One key takeaway: “In 2021, employees demand to learn and grow—or they will go.” So invest in reskilling and upskilling your team.
CNN posted an interesting article about how people feel pressured to stay in conversations long after they feel they’re still getting a benefit from it. In other words, we feel awkward about ending conversations. It’s a fascinating read about communication, social norms, and how we can improve the way we relate to each other.
Work happy. Live happy. BE happy.
Meredith
The way we work and build teams is rapidly changing. Leaders often feel unprepared to navigate the transition. As a conscious leadership coach, consultant and communicator, Meredith helps leaders and their teams create new ways of working and relating so they can prepare for the future by consciously co-creating it.
Contact her to develop your conscious leadership and transform your organization into the workplace of the future.
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