The conversations in recent weeks have a common theme and that we all know so well. The whole situation precipitated a rapid need for flexibility and forced an exit from the comfort zone, to which we so often settled. Different approaches to remote leadership, distance team management, family-work balance, collaboration, motivation and well-being were quickly created. Each time we go through the feed of the different social media we see an admirable number of articles, webinars, trainings that guarantee to help with precious tips on how to adapt to this whole context.
All these tips, these “shoulds and shouldn’ts”, “do’s and don’ts” are a precious help for a time that seems to require from us a quick adaptability, because effectively, at the end of the story, who survives is who best adapts to change.
In a somewhat antagonistic way, these are also times that lead us to a greater coexistence with ourselves, that in the midst of speed and the unknown, we are also being forced to look inside us.
From an early age we are told that we must do our best, focus on getting the best results. The route is oriented to the acquisition of knowledge about the world around us. The importance of knowing each other is often in the background or third. Along the way we will notice some of our weaknesses, areas of discomfort but sweeping them under the carpet or placing them in that corner of the most inaccessible shelf.
The truth is that at times like this we live in, it becomes very difficult to escape from ourselves. Everything we’re sweeping under that rug or putting on that shelf seems to now appear before us. “And how to deal with all this if I have never learned to do it?”; “What tools? What formulas?”
Each should create their own formula and shouldn’t use universal recipes. We leave two points to consider.
Increase self-awareness
We spend so much time trying to get to know others, why not do it with us? The first step is to become aware. This clarity about our strong areas and development lacks time and focus. There are several tools that help in this process and that allow us to identify these areas more accurately, so that we move from the field of perception to concrete. Examples of this are personality tools (MBTI) or emotional intelligence (EQ), which show, from behaviours and habits, which areas deserve special attention.
This self-awareness also reveals our strengths, what is most natural to us and spends less energy, giving clues as to why we sometimes feel so tired, anxious or stressed.
Having a career as a psychologist and with a constant challenge to improve and look at myself, I can say that it was with the help of scientifically validated tools that I was able, with greater precision, to become aware of what was at the basis of some of my most natural behaviours. It was precisely when I came across reports that mirrored so well what I did not always identify with that clarity, that I was able to draw up the subsequent plan.
A growth mindset
Point 1 is fundamental as a starting point but nothing changes if we stop there. The comfort zone is a dangerous place to be. The choice of growth involves leaving this area, facing fears and taking risks. There will be times when you will be able to realize the full potential and others time when you will need to take a step back.
All growth is made of risks, since the first steps are taken. The most important thing is to recognize and readjust the plan.
We know that these two points are not formulas or a 12-step list. They are just two basic points to know the starting point, understand the way to go and improve well-being.
Should we start taking things out under the carpet?
For more information on individual development processes, please contact us at geral@p4s.pt
Article writing by Marina Pinheiro.
