Skills TRAIN-ing

With the rate of change around us, it’s important to be cognizant of continually evolving our behaviors and skill sets to reduce the agony of trying to catch up long after the train has left the station.  There are a number of reasons why we might lag behind…not the least being that we are too busy trying to move ahead.  Certainly, that sounds contradictory, however it’s quite prevalent for us to focus on the project right in front of us and neglect preparing for the one on the horizon.  Hence, the cycle of running, yet again, to catch that train continues.  Chuga, chuga.

When we are in this cycle, there is no sense beating ourselves up as that only exasperates the situation.  The related overwhelm can cause us to be less productive while eating away at our feelings of accomplishment.  Ouch!

Typically, when we look to improve in an area, by choice or request, we take on the overarching category.  Take communication for example.  There are many facets to becoming a more effective communicator (i.e. talking, listening, presenting, body language, writing, etc.).  When we focus on the overall category, it’s easy to get stuck right where we’ve always been.  However, when we break it down into smaller bits, we can create tangible, achievable goals that don’t take a huge investment of time.  In fact, the skill building can be infused into the normal course of our days.

Example:

Overarching Goal = Improve Communication Skills

• Smaller Bit #1 = Improve listening skills by repeating what I heard back to my dialogue partner at least three times/week.
• Smaller Bit #2 = Block out calendar time and a conference room to practice delivering my presentations in advance of each meeting with Senior Staff.

Forward Moving Tip: 

Think about an area that you’ve made too grandiose to even know where to start.  Then, break it down and select one area, one smaller bit, to work on improving.  This way, instead of constantly running to catch the train, you will be waving from your window seat.  Choo, choo!

What overarching area did you choose, and how did you break it down? (comment below)

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