Thoughtful Actions - Power of Personalities

Over the past few weeks, I have written some posts with the theme of mindfulness at work.  During my morning commutes this week, I began to think about the power of personalities and the impact on decision making, negotiation, branding a message and strategic thinking.  What makes a decision the right one? What makes the negotiation successful?  What is the merit of a brand message?  And how does strategic thinking create a real and powerful vision for the future?

Personally and professionally I have witnessed the power of personalities in several meetings.  In my life, I am surrounded by diverse personalities - strong, thoughtful, kind, dedicated, reactive, quiet, assertive, withdrawn, literal and visionary.  Sitting in a meeting recently, I imagined what the discussion would look like if the personalities around the room were different.  If the facts are the same, would the results be the same?  Would a change of one person make a difference so much that the result would change for better or worse?

Goals around the table need to be the same, personalities need to guide the process.  I offer this when you sit in your office, your meeting, wherever and with whomever you gather - Thoughtful Actions. Our words and our actions make a difference.  Our personality is our unique mark on our world and as we work together, let it shine, let it represent the best part of ourselves and as we act in thoughtful ways, let the results of our decisions, negotiations, brand messaging and strategic thinking show who we are.

Taking thoughtful actions are not always easy.  Take a breath.  Count to ten. Take a walk.  In those moments when you are frustrated, can't believe your colleague just said that, or feeling that the situation feels unfair, take a breath, count to ten, or take a walk.  Be thoughtful.  We don't always have the information, we don't know what other conversations are taking place, and sadly, we don't and can't always know when private conversations include advocacy for staff or creative thinking for management.

Maybe we are wrong. Maybe we misjudged.  Maybe we should consider that others did take some thoughtful action.  That alone would be a thoughtful action.  Think about some other ways to be thoughtful - respect a colleague's idea, thank people when they deliver the report, offer to help another with a project, collaborate because you want to, work together kindly even when you don't want to, instead of an email, get out of your office to talk to a colleague face to face (people like to see you) or pick up the phone (people like to hear your voice).

Be thoughtful.  Stay calm. Let the best of your personality shine - that is the power of your personality.  Let me know if this works for you.  It is already making a difference in my personal and professional partnerships. Good luck.