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Stepping Away to Step Up: Why Renewal is Your Secret Weapon

/ Susan Hendrich / 1 Comment

Recharge and Refresh to Enhance Your Impact.

Life can be a whirlwind sometimes. Work deadlines loom, errands pile up, and suddenly it feels like you haven’t taken a real breath in days, weeks, even months. It’s during these times that I find myself craving renewal. Take a deep breath while you think about that word…renewal.

Now, renewal might not sound like the most exciting thing on the to-do list, but hear me out. It’s not about sitting in a bubble bath for thirty minutes (although that has its merits). It’s about consciously choosing to step away from the hamster wheel, even if it’s just for a little while, to come back feeling refreshed and ready to tackle anything.

Think about it. Have you ever tried to write a creative piece when your brain feels like mush? Or tried to have a productive conversation when you’re running on fumes? It rarely ends well. We need time to recharge, refocus, and reconnect with ourselves in order to truly thrive.

Here’s the thing, renewal doesn’t have to be a grand gesture. It can be as simple as:

  • Taking a walk in nature: Immersing yourself in the sights and sounds of the outdoors can be incredibly calming and restorative.
  • Putting your phone down and reading a book: Escaping into a good story can help you de-stress and gain new perspectives.
  • Trying a new recipe: Engaging in a creative activity can spark joy and get your creative juices flowing again.
  • Spending time with loved ones: Connecting with those closest to you provides a sense of belonging and support.

Even small changes to your routine can have a big impact. Instead of scrolling through social media before bed, try some light stretching or reading. Replace your usual commute with a scenic bike ride.

The key is to find what works for you and make it a priority. Remember, renewal isn’t selfish, it’s essential. It’s the key to maintaining your energy, creativity, and overall well-being. So next time you’re feeling burnt out, don’t push yourself further. Step away, recharge, and come back stronger than ever.

I’m heading outside now to breathe in the crisp February air and renew my focus for the week ahead. How will you RENEW?

Susan

p.s. Looking for a book to guide your journey? Check out: Renewal: How Nature Awakens Our Creativity, Compassion, and Joy by Andrés R Edwards

Forget “Soft” Skills: It’s all about Power Skills

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Power Skills are Game Changers.

Let’s be honest, the term “soft skills” has never done these crucial abilities justice. It makes them sound fluffy and less important than those technical “hard skills.” But here’s the thing: communication, problem-solving, adaptability – these aren’t just nice-to-haves, they’re absolute game-changers.

That’s where the concept of “power skills” comes in. This shift in language reflects the growing recognition that skills like empathy, collaboration, and critical thinking are what truly drive success in today’s rapidly changing world.

Why Power Skills Matter

  • Adaptability: Technology is evolving at breakneck speed, and power skills allow you to keep up. The ability to learn new tools, pivot strategies, and roll with the changes is what separates those who thrive from those who are left behind.
  • Communication: Collaboration is the lifeblood of modern organizations. Whether it’s influencing a team, clearly presenting ideas, or negotiating solutions, strong communication builds strong teams and strong results.
  • Problem-solving: The world is messy and complex. Power skills like critical thinking and creativity allow you to break down obstacles, find innovative solutions, and navigate challenges with confidence.
  • Emotional Intelligence: Understanding your motivations, managing your emotions, and building relationships with others is essential for success. Emotional intelligence makes you a valuable team member and an effective leader.

Making the Transition

So, how do you move from seeing these as “soft skills” to unleashing their true power?

  1. Own them: Embrace the importance of your current abilities. Recognize that they are highly sought after and essential for success.
  2. Elevate them: Identify specific ways to leverage and expand upon these skills. Seek opportunities to practice them in your work and consciously strengthen those areas.
  3. Showcase them: Don’t just talk about your power skills, demonstrate them! Highlight how they’ve helped you solve problems, build strong relationships, or adapt to change in your resume, interviews, and everyday interactions.

Power skills are the key to not just surviving in the modern workplace but truly thriving. By ditching the “soft” label, embracing their importance, and proactively developing them, you’re giving yourself a competitive advantage and setting yourself up for a long, impactful career.

The 3Gs of Mentor Matchup: Goals, Gaps, Gifts

/ Susan Hendrich / 1 Comment
Goals, Gaps, and Gifts: Mentor / Mentee Matchup Magic

An ideal mentor/mentee matchup blends three key elements: Goals, Gaps, and Gifts.

GOALS: Mentor and mentee should have compatible goals and aspirations. For example, if your goal is to become a director, choose a mentor with experience as a director or other leadership role. If you aim to build confidence in delivering presentations, find a mentor who dazzles you when they are on the stage.

GAPS: A good mentor can fill in the gaps in the mentee’s knowledge and experience. For example, if you are new to the industry, choose a mentor who can teach you about the industry and help you develop skills.

GIFTS: Mentor and mentee should have complementary gifts and talents. For example, if you are a creative thinker, choose a mentor who is good at strategic planning and execution. Having complementary skills allows the mentee to see a different way of approaching novel situations.

Think about your own experience as a mentor or mentee. How did your goals, gaps, and gifts intersect?

Want more information? Check out the LinkedIn discussion, “How can you ensure that mentors and mentees are a good match?”

What is Memorial Day?

/ Susan Hendrich / 1 Comment

This year I wanted to try something new to honor Memorial Day. Let’s learn together about the history and traditions associated with Memorial Day, a federal holiday observed in the United States on the last Monday in May. It is a day to remember and honor the men and women who have died while serving in the United States Armed Forces.

Memorial Day originated after the American Civil War to commemorate the Union and Confederate soldiers who died in that conflict. Over time, Memorial Day has expanded to honor all American military personnel who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country.

Produced in honor of those who made the ultimate sacrifice. God Bless the USA.

The Power of Perception

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Perception can create a self-fulfilling prophecy. The classic leadership book, The One Minute Manager by Ken Blanchard and Spencer Johnson, shaped my leadership approach. They teach the power of Perception. Consider the story of The Monk and the Travellers:

THE MONK AND THE TRAVELLERS

One day a traveller was walking along a road on his journey from one village to another. As he walked he noticed a monk tending the ground in the fields beside the road. The monk said “Good day” to the traveller, and the traveller nodded to the monk. The traveller then turned to the monk and said “Excuse me, do you mind if I ask you a question?”. 

“Not at all,” replied the monk. 

“I am travelling from the village in the mountains to the village in the valley and I was wondering if you knew what it is like in the village in the valley?” 

“Tell me,” said the monk, “What was your experience of the village in the mountains?” 

“Dreadful,” replied the traveller, “to be honest I am glad to be away from there. I found the people most unwelcoming. When I first arrived I was greeted coldly. I was never made to feel part of the village no matter how hard I tried. The villagers keep very much to themselves, they don’t take kindly to strangers. So tell me, what can I expect in the village in the valley?” 

“I am sorry to tell you,” said the monk, “but I think your experience will be much the same there”. 

The traveller hung his head despondently and walked on. 

A while later another traveller was journeying down the same road and he also came upon the monk. 

“I’m going to the village in the valley,” said the second traveller, “Do you know what it is like?” 

“I do,” replied the monk “But first tell me – where have you come from?” 

“I’ve come from the village in the mountains.” 

“And how was that?” 

“It was a wonderful experience. I would have stayed if I could but I am committed to travelling on. I felt as though I was a member of the family in the village. The elders gave me much advice, the children laughed and joked with me and people were generally kind and generous. I am sad to have left there. It will always hold special memories for me. And what of the village in the valley?” he asked again. 

“I think you will find it much the same” replied the monk, “Good day to you”. 

“Good day and thank you,” the traveller replied, smiled, and journeyed on.

___________________

THE POWER OF PERCEPTION

Tell me how this story impacts you? Does your own perception of situations evolve based on the attitude you bring? Sure makes a difference for me. Choose wisely.