Most rules have exceptions, yet you have got to set some rules for yourself you are not open to make exceptions to.
Values are such rules.
Consistency is everything when it comes to value. There’s always going to be good reasons to deviate from the path you set for yourself, but it’s sticking to it that makes your story unique and worth telling.
When choosing someone for a task, make sure you clarify the reason why they’ve been chosen.
You were the first one entering the door this morning.
Everyone else is very busy at the moment.
We’ve already purchased a license for you.
I allocated the tasks so that everyone has a fair chance to show their value.
Sure, these are reasons, and they are used more often than one thinks. But if we leave these decisions to chance or rationality, chances are the person chosen will not really feel motivated to do the task. After all, if anyone can do it, why give that little bit more, why deliver your best game, why bother in the first place.
We consider this a critical task for the company, because of X and Y. You have shown you can deliver fantastic job in this area, for example when Z. You have also told me that you are passionate about A and would like to contribute. This is why I could not think of anyone better in the team to take on this challenge and really turn things around. What do you think?
On the other hand, if the decision is based on a real knowledge of the other person, of their job, of their strengths, of their passions, of what they care about. Well, you can expect the outcome to be a whole lot different, can’t you?
When we give feedback, in the same way as when we offer our help, the next best thing to do is to let it go.
Clinging to it is counterproductive, and most likely only the person receiving it knows if it’s going to help them or not.
By all means, give feedback. And then let it go.
There comes a time in most relationships (sentimental or not) when the parts involved simply do not trust each other anymore.
No matter what they say, no matter how hard they try, no matter how much time and resources you spend making their case.
Actually, continuing to state the case in these situations is futile. Chances are the main arguments, values, plans are at least part of the reason why the distrust started developing. So, if that’s all each part has to contribute, the relationship is over.
The only thing to do in these cases is take a step back.
Open your mind, listen, apologize if needed (it usually is). Be critical of your original stance and see if there’s still space for a part of it.
Relationships, as most things, evolve. When you do not evolve with them, you are out.
The things you do during a period of downtime determine the success of what you will be doing when things get going.
Rest and recharge is an important piece of it, yet it’s only a piece nonetheless.
Downtime is an excellent moment to be delivering your best work, to free yourself from constraints of time and pressure, to explore new venues and new ways, to connect with that person you should really talk to, to give that speech that can change a bunch of minds.
Most things move in cycles, and work is not different. Take advantage of the space you are given to make sure you are ready when it’s most needed.
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