Posts tagged Options
How to Support Others and Stay Sane
Dec 18th
Many of my friends and clients who serve others for a living spend a lot of time solving problems. Clients or employees come to you for solutions to a myriad of problems both personal and professional. It can take a lot of energy to come up with solutions all day long particularly if the problems aren’t ones you have the answers to. Often you may find yourself overwhelmed with work and missing some important times at home.
When you are overwhelmed have you thought about finding another job, going to live on a tropical island or letting go of something else you love in order to have time for your family, friends and self-care?
Although the tropical island sounds very appealing these strategies aren’t necessarily long term solutions because you may end up in a similar situation all over again.
Thank goodness there are some other options to support you! What I’ve found to be true is I don’t need to be all knowing nor do I need to search for all the answers for someone coming to me for help.
What you do need to do is build trust, be empathic and connect people to resources.
Let’s look at how you are offering support now. Do you find yourself taking on the problems that are brought to you? Do you try and solve things that aren’t in your area of expertise? Do you think you need to have or find all the answers?
If you answered yes to any of those questions here are some options to mull over.
Your role could be to connect the employee or client to the resources they need to solve their problem. You may be the resource sometimes but my guess is often you may not be. You are the connector.
To connect the person and their problem to a solution or next step you need to hone your listening skills. As you listen to the story you support them to get clarity about exactly what it is they need. Once you clarify the need the strategies will begin to come clear.
The first strategy is to direct them back to themselves. Asking them “What do you think a next step would be?” Often you will find when people are listened to and supported to gain clarity they know their own next step. Guide them back to themselves and empower them to step into what they already know.
If they can’t think of a next step offer to brainstorm with them. Begin putting forward some ideas and they will join you. In a short period of time they can leave your office with some options to explore.
If neither of you can think of any specific strategies take time to consider what other resources could support them. Is there someone you know that is an expert in this area? Are there books, online resources, or a class that might offer them new tools? More than likely they will have a next step planned after considering these questions.
When you take on others problems or believe you have to have all the answers you wear yourself out. There are lots of challenges in the world. Honing your listening skills and supporting others to feel empowered to help themselves can actually feel energizing.
Consider exploring these options and let me know how it goes. I would love to hear from you. Your questions, feedback or comments are welcome!
If you think this article may support someone you know please feel free to forward this to them.
How To Make Effective Decisions
Nov 5th
Decision making is the process of taking a definite position on a particular issue on which action must be taken. It can be defined as a choice made between two or more possible courses of action.
Decision making involves making up ones mind. It is an activity that happens every day, every time and at anywhere. Examples include, deciding on our career, deciding on the types of friends to have, the activities of a particular day etc.
Sometimes, decision making may need writing materials and/or storage materials which might be of remembrance anytime. This will help you to know when you are on the track or out of what you have decided. For one to make decisions, one must;
a) Be self confident.
b) Mentally mature.
c) Have little knowledge on what to decide on.
Inability to make right decisions exposes both young and old to different problems and challenges. To the young, it can lead life regrets and expensive mistakes that can never be reversed. Therefore one needs to be very careful when making decisions, in order to avoid mistakes and regrets.
REASONS FOR MAKING DECISIONS.
a) To help one accomplish one’s goal.
b) To determine one’s position or stand.
c) To guide the actions one takes so that one does not regret anything.
MAKING HOLD DECISION.
a) It is important for one to clarify his /her values i.e. understand and be sure of personal and family values as a basis for good decision.
b) Before making an important decision, it is necessary to have enough facts or information about all aspects of the issue in order to weigh the options and make an informed decision.
c) It is important to think critically and determine how to make the most effective use of one’s opinions and values so as to bring about a good result.
FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE DECISION MAKING.
a) Religion.
b) Society.
c) Government policy.
d) Environmental preferences.
CONSEQUENCES OF MAKING WRONG DECISIONS.
a) Regrets.
b) Inability to meet goals.
c) Loss of focus.
d) Being misled.
Note: Your decision is like a torch light that directs your movement at night. Thus, unless you decide on what to do, you will end up being diverted or other will decide it for you.
