Creating with intention
It is tempting to choose the fast, easy route. Everyone wants to win big, and they want to win quickly. But those who work steadily, slowly, piece by piece build solid foundations. When market fluctuations and economies are unpredictable, daily decisions add up to create something that matters in the long term.
Ignore those who fail to see the long game, those who try to push you into playing short. The best fruit is not always on the bottom of the tree.
Play long.
“Should I quit or hang in there?” is a question that will accompany any worthwhile project. If you’re not tested, the work probably isn’t on path towards the success you’re hoping for.
“Never quit something with great long-term potential just because you can’t deal with the stress of the moment.” –Seth Godin, The Dip
You will feel tested. You will be challenged. You will want to quit.
Decide the circumstances that are acceptable to quit and hold yourself to those guidelines. When work becomes hard, great rewards are usually on the other side. Don’t be afraid to sacrifice short-term comfort for long-term gain.
Call 1: The worst.
Call 5: Still pretty bad.
Call 10: You care less if someone says no.
Call 12: Someone might be interested.
Call 15: You make a sale.
Call 16: You make another sale.
Call 17: You feel pretty great until someone else says no.
Call 18: You feel bad but make another call anyway.
Call 22: The person asks you to call back next week.
Call 24: Sale.
Call 25: You begin to realize the yes/no/maybe answers have nothing to do with you.
Call 30: Your pitch is better. You can clearly talk about the benefits your product/service provides.
Call 35: If someone says no, it doesn’t ruin your day.
Call 37: Sale.
Call 40: When someone says no, you refine your pitch.
Call 48: Sale.
Call 50: When someone says no, you recognize that person wasn’t the right fit for your product/service.
Call 52: Sale.
Call 53: Sale.
Call 54: The no response is no longer a Big Deal, and you keep going.
Call 55: Sale.
Call 56: Maybe. Appointment set.
Call 57: Sale.
Call 58: Sale.
The first calls are always the hardest. Keep going.
It’s likely you interviewed for a specific set of tasks and duties, and that these same expectations were reviewed after you took the job. You may notice, however, that the longer you spend in the position, the more you observe inefficiencies — perhaps even inequalities — in your workplace.
“It’s not my job,” is a feeble excuse for standing by when you could be stepping up. Caring often isn’t written explicitly on your contract, but caring is exactly what you should do if you want the next salary bump…and if you want to be a better human.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics cited an almost $47,000 yearly salary difference of those with postgraduate degrees. But “non-traditional” students may feel reluctant signing up for a class at the local campus. There’s an easy answer: online courses.
Researcher Tuan Nguyen found substantial evidence showing that online classes are just as effective as classroom models. Add in flexibility and variety, online programs can be key for for busy professionals looking to get ahead.
Online learning allows students to move at their own pace and review course subjects during free hours. Those reluctant to speak in classroom settings can contribute more confidently in online forums and participate in discussions without the anxiety associated with public speaking. Feedback from teacher to student can be exchanged more quickly than traditional paper based reports, and online assessments can ensure students have assimilated course principles before moving on to move advanced modules.
Teachers, too, can benefit. Direct communication between student and teacher means reduced office hours and the reduction of scheduling conflicts. Readings and class notes can be posted online for students to review, eliminating unnecessary photocopies and paperwork, and supplementary content — videos, articles, journals — can be accessed quickly online. Such engagement can encourage students to fulfill course requirements and interact with industry professionals.
Free online learning opportunities are plentiful: Khan Academy and Coursera.org are good places to start. If you have taken an online course, I want to hear about it. Tweet me @redheadlefthand.
1. No one can do it like you
Before delegating assignments or tasks, accept the fact the work will not be exactly as you would have done it. This could end up in your favor (a new perspective, an interesting idea, a better method) or drive you crazy (inconsistencies, mistakes, imperfections). Only after you relinquish control will you be able to move forward with your projects.
2. Divvy mindfully
Spending time analyzing your workload and deciding who can take on responsibilities will save you headache and effort in the long run. Work that doesn’t require specific knowledge or experience can be easily handed off; complex projects that require expertise may require up-front training in order to be completed successfully. Be sure to pass the right work onto the right people.
3. Clear communication
Before any hours are clocked, take time to set expectations and discuss the goals at hand. Maintain open lines of communication throughout project completion and be sure directions are easy to understand and follow.
4. Provide leeway
Trusting colleagues and staff instills confidence. When employees feel valued, they are more likely to make smart, strong choices. When you delegate, you display trust in someone else’s capabilities and skills. Micromanaging, however, cuts off autonomy and discourages creative thinking. Allow room for ambition and insight; you may be pleasantly surprised with the results.