It's Tuesday at 2:00pm! (PST Time: I live and work from Southern California)
Greetings to you!
Each week I send out a short leadership blog that's called "Tuesday at 2:00pm". The purpose of this is simply to provide a brief thought on leadership that you can read and think about in just a few minutes. I send it out every week at 2:00pm (PST) and encourage you to make an appointment with yourself to pause and think about the thing I'm writing about.
Russ...
LEADERSHIP QUOTE:
"Every flower blooms at a different pace." Suzy Kassem
What does this stir up? Either write me HERE or comment at the end of the blog post HERE.
A LITTLE BIT DEEPER:
September is here, and if you're like me, it came with a bit of SHOCK. How can it be September? I've been thinking about the idea of PACE. Back a couple of months ago, I spent some time on RHYTHM, and I realize that PACE is different. I'm going to dive into it this month. Join me...
To read past quotes & thoughts.... CLICK HERE.
The quote by Kassem above was really just a reminder that while every flower blooms different, we as people are all different as well.
As we talk about PACE, I think one of the biggest pressure points comes to each of us as we compare ourselves to others, thinking that we need to all move at the same pace, whether that be a slow pace or a fast pace.
Recently I was having breakfast with a small group of people, and as we ate and talked, we moved through our breakfast all differently. Some focused on eating first, and then engaged in conversation. One was completely focused on engaging with others that he didn't even begin to eat until most of us were through. Other's kind of ate and talked and moved through the meal together. All different approaches, all fine, but we are different.
I realized that for me, I ate quickly, anticipating a deeper and more engaging conversation after the meal over a cup of coffee. Now as I think about it, I was probably more focused on the food in front of me than the people in front of me, but my motivation was to "eat and then talk". Just thinking about this will cause me to consider what's going on around the table the next time we gather.
That's pace. We're all different because of the way we were raised, because of the ways we approach different situations, because of how we've learned.
At the meal, had I said to everyone, "OK, let's all eat first, then we can begin our conversation", that would have bothered some who viewed the meal as a complete experience, mixing food and conversation together. They valued the opportunity to do both at the same time.
Thinking back to this quote, and thinking about my back yard, I'm glad flowers all bloom at different times. This means that my yards is constantly changing and that when one flower fades, another one blooms.
In the same way, I'm glad that as people we all have a different pace, but I also realize that I need to become more aware of that, and instead of focusing on MY PACE, I need to bring other people's pace into consideration and not assume they will always move with me.
What would your pace be at that breakfast table: Eat first, then talk? Eat and talk at the same time? Talk and then eat?
DEEPER STILL:
How to Work With People Who Have a Different Pace
A couple of thoughts on this...
First: Define the Leaders Pace
This is really important. If you are the leader, or you're working for someone else, understanding the leaders pace will determine expectations, timing and the leader always sets the pace. If you are the leader, share your expectations up front and don't assume people will understand what your pace is. If you're not the leader, ask clarifying questions, communicate your desired pace and work together to define the clear goals.
Second: Don't Compare Yourself to Others
We're all different, and this is important. Because you can't work at the pace that others work at doesn't mean you're not as smart or talented as they are. If just means you are wired differently. Speed is not always the goal, but we often praise people who get things done quickly. We should be focused on outcomes, not at the pace of completion. This isn't always a race and we're all going to approach things in a unique way.
Third: Communicate Your Feelings
If you're pushed to work faster, or forced to slow down and it doesn't feel right, communicate that to others. Let people know how you feel without making them feel bad for not being in sync with your pace and schedule.
Fourth: Find Balance with Others
I've learned that when you surround yourself with people that all move at the same pace, you miss some value from those that might move faster or more slowly. There's strength that comes from having balance on your team. Draw from that strength in others.
What have you learned about PACE when it comes to a team you're a part of or a team you lead?
Things I'm Reading, Listening To and Watching This Week:
Talking about PACE, this podcast, SPACE, has helped me slow down, think, pray, contemplate, worship. It's a weekly dose of lectio with a great reminder & challenge. This comes from Harbor Ministries.
This week, I’m gathering with leaders to talk about The Art of Gathering. Really good conversation around running meetings with a purpose and clear goals. These leaders represent 6 Barnabas Groups in Northern & Southern California, and in Kansas City. To learn more about The Barnabas Group Chapters, check them out HERE.
Gina and I attended a gala recently for Free Wheelchair Mission. We have a number of friends who have been involved with them but it was inspiring to see the work they've done around the world bringing mobility to people who need access and hope. Love their mission!
José Andrés shares a little book called Change The Recipe and it's loaded with great ideas, stories and lessons, this from the founder of the World Central Kitchen.
OK, probably too much information, but these moisturizing socks have helped my "summer cracked feet" heal quickly! I'm a believer!