Are you fully engaged in what you’re doing?

I find that many people I talk to are just … doing the work. Getting by. Busy.

And there are times you need to be there. Doing my taxes isn’t the most fun thing in the world, but I do them anyway because it’s a commitment I take on. But I have to confess there’s not much passion there.

It’s awfully fun and energizing to jump into something wholeheartedly. Even when it’s not exactly fun, you still want the focus and energy to do something well.

Perhaps you’re anticipating a tough conversation with an employee. Yes, there are things which can go wrong, and you don’t know if you have the right words. To be fully engaged in this activity, you’ll need to establish exactly what your goals are. Do you want to see a behavior change? What do you want their attitude to be before, during and after the conversation? Is there information you want to prepare?

In this case, I find the most useful questions to be around feelings. How do YOU want to feel? How do you want THEM to feel? How do you want OTHERS to feel as a side-effect of a behavior change?

This is what it means to engage. To think deeply, to focus and put other things aside for just a moment. To be in the experience with intention and energy.

Including being with family and friends during this holiday season! It’s not all about work.