Renee Giarrusso's Blog, page 13

29: Reconnecting with yourself and your team

With only 4 weeks left until the end of 2021, in this episode of Limitless Leaders Podcast, I wanted to give you some tips on how to reconnect with yourself and your team, as you begin to stagger your workforce back into your office.  

Here are three reasons why you should listen to the full episode:Learn three tips on how to optimise you and your team’s transition back into the workplace. Find out why we should not default into old ways of doing things. Discover why adopting a Gift Mindset is so important – now more than ever after the challenges we have had to face over the last two years.  

 

 Additional Resources:www.ReneeGiarusso.com/resources www.GiftMindset.com  

 

 Episode Highlights:

[1.11] People are emerging and approaching going back into the office and into the world, in one of three ways.  

 

Those who are exhausted – and I can vouch for this. Those who are rejuvenated – and I have come across a few of these people Those who are indifferent – their roles were remote prior to the pandemic and they worked fairly autonomously. 

 

[2.59] The key is to remember that not everyone is feeling how you are feeling. It’s really important to bring in that emotional intelligence and awareness at this time. 

 

TIP ONE: DON’T DEFAULT INTO OLD WAYS OF DOING THINGS 

 

[3.31] Now more than ever we need to be adaptive and innovative as leaders and as teams. A by-product of that is collaboration. 

 

[4.11] Make an effort to focus on people before process, before progress. Don’t default back to the old ways of how things have been done. The pandemic has given us an opportunity to lead in new ways, new ways of thinking, new ways of working. 

 

[4.33] Let go of the things that didn’t work before. 

 

[4.46] Be really conscious about what you want to let in that’s new, that you want to keep doing, thinking, feeling and what would you like to let go of? What no longer suits you or your team? What do you want to let in? What do you need to let go of? 

 

TIP TWO:  THE IMPORTANCE OF ONE-TO-ONE TIME WITH EACH TEAM MEMBER  

 

[5.37] Don’t underestimate the value of just spending one on one time with each person in your team. 

 

[6.09] Connection, connection. Connection is a core human need. 

 

[6.13] Don’t just talk about work. Talk about your passions, what you’ve learned over the last two years. 

 

TIP THREE: UNWRAP YOUR GIFT MINDSET INDIVIDUALLY AND AS A TEAM  

 

[6.22] Unwrap your gifts as a team. It’s never been a better time to adopt the Gift Mindset.  

 

[6.47] Acknowledge what’s happened, good or bad. Bring those lessons into your life and into your workplace and into your team moving forward. 

 

[7.03] A really good tip: Get your team together and get everyone to share their biggest gifts over the last few years. What did they learn? What were the drivers or the soft skills like resilience, gratitude, all these sorts of things that have supported and helped them through. 

 

2 Powerful Quotes:  

[2.18] A lot of people I'm seeing in this space, are a part of what they're calling ‘the great resignation’. They're reflecting on what they want to do for a career, they want more purpose, they want a company that aligns with their values. 

[7.20] When we adopt a Gift Mindset we can us the lessons from challenges to progress ourselves and other forward.  

 

Enjoy This Podcast?

Post a review and share it! If you learned something by tuning into this podcast, do not hesitate to write a review and share it with your friends! The world needs more people with the drive and leadership qualities to make the world a better place.

For more updates and episodes, visit and subscribe on the Limitless Leaders podcast page!

Have any questions? You can contact me through these platforms:

Company website

Instagram

Facebook

LinkedIn

 

To leading the future,

Renée

Back to the office- How are you reconnecting?

Here we are heading into the last month of 2021, and what a year it has been!

With so many stop-starts returning to the office, uncertainty in our world and life, and the continuation of remote work, it’s no wonder people are feeling a bit overwhelmed and unsure of what lies ahead.

Working across numerous organisations and teams, I see such a difference in how people approach the reconnection back into their workplace and with their teams.

I believe there are three main types of feelings people are experiencing in the workplace, and depending on how they are feeling, this will determine their approach to coming back into the office. 

There are those feeling exhausted, rejuvenated or indifferent.

Exhausted

I can personally vouch for this one; having worked 24/7 the last 18 months, I am ready for a break. For many others working from home, saving their business, homeschooling and the added stress of uncertainty, this is a common way to be feeling right now. Emerging back into the real world can feel confronting and overwhelming.

Rejuvenated

Maybe you have had the luxury of time off or have used the last 18 months as an opportunity to reflect and recalibrate. You are now supercharged with energy and ready to get back out there, maybe into a new role or industry or with new energy for what you were doing previously. 

Indifferent

Quite a few people I have come across haven’t felt the impact of the pandemic, with many having been in a role that was autonomous or remote prior to lockdowns and physical workplace environments changing.

It's a great time to reflect and see where you sit; remember this is not a fixed position, but it will help you be more conscious that not everyone feels how you are. You need to create the space to understand and adapt in order to reconnect.

Now more than ever, we need to be adaptive, innovative and collaborative. I truly believe when a team adapts together, innovates ways of working and thinking together; then collaboration becomes a by-product of this.

As you enter back into the office, remember to put PEOPLE before PROCESS & PROGRESS. There has never been a better time to build a deep connection with your team and peers.

A few tips:

Unwrap Gifts as Team

Get your team together and get everyone to share their biggest lesson “gift” over the last two years. What did they learn, and specifically, what were the drivers, soft skills and support that enabled them to get through? When we adopt a Gift Mindset, we can use the lessons from challenges to progress ourselves and others forward and replicate success, a key to collaboration and learning.

1:1 time

Don't underestimate the value of regular 1:1 time with your team or peers. Invest in the time to have an intentional conversation and don’t make it always work-related. Everyone’s energy is different at the moment; this is a great way to see where people are at and adapt your leadership and coaching style to ensure deep and meaningful interaction and connection.

Let in – Let go – Let be 

Do this by investing in the time, as a team, to reflect on what you need to:

-Let in

New learnings, mindset, habits, ways of working, strategies, ideas and goals and new workplace set-up

-Let go of

Things that no longer serve such as old ways of thinking, unresourceful  habits, unnecessary meetings and commute time, outdated strategies and plans 

-Let be 

The things that are working and can serve you in the future 

Use this opportunity to reconnect and avoid defaulting back to what was before.

2022 is only around the corner, and December can be a great foundation to build new and deeper relationships, expectations and connections as a team.

Lead to be Limitless…



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Find out where you sit on the Leadership Ladder. Your responses are anonymous, and the results summarised to help us better understand where our market sits so that we can continue to provide insights, tools and solutions to assist you in moving up to be LIMITLESS, co-creative and stand out.

Renée is a mentor, coach, expert facilitator and keynote speaker; She is the author of ‘Gift Mindset®‘, ‘Limitless Leadership’, and co-author of ‘Leaders of Influence’.

PS: Want to skyrocket your success from working anywhere? We've launched our online program, and you can read more about that here.

Have you received your copy of Renée’s latest book, Gift Mindset®? It is available on Amazon, Booktopia and in all good book stores.

If this article resonates with you somehow, I’d love to hear your thoughts – get in touch.

Being in service to my clients is why I do what I do, and your feedback, insight, and suggestions are always embraced.

Follow Renée on Facebook, Instagram, IGTV or Twitter, or subscribe to her blog or new podcast here.

 

28: Learning Leadership Skills with Steve Grace

Learning Leadership Skills 

People wrongly think that leadership skills are something you're born with. Some people might have a natural aptitude for leading, but it’s a skill like any other. It needs practice. Good leaders undergo a continuous process of learning and unlearning. Admitting to one's mistakes with the ability to learn from them is what catapults you to become a competent leader. Many great leaders practice the art of ‘keep going' despite encountering different forms of trial and error. All these together combine to create someone with the leadership qualities to adamantly blaze a trail through victory and loss. 

In this episode, Steve Grace shares his journey towards leadership. He explores the lessons he learned from good and bad leaders alike. Then, he defines leadership and enumerates what a person needs to do to acquire excellent leadership skills. You'll find out that leadership skills aren't something you are born with but something you learn, do and become.

If you want to learn what being a leader means and how you can become a leader, then tune in to the full episode.

Here are three reasons why you should listen to the full episode:Find out Steve’s top leadership qualities.Learn how getting feedback and understanding yourself are critical to being a better leader. Discover ways to keep yourself focused and energized.ResourcesThe Nudge Group’s websiteConnect with Steve: LinkedInGive It A Nudge PodcastYellow Brick Road to Your Financial Security by Mark BourisEpisode Highlights[02:50] Steve’s Favourite Word and SoundSteve picked an easy-to-spell word: energy.Steve loves the word ‘energy' because every action in the world is a transfer of energy. Furthermore, he agreed that ‘energy' is the drive of everything.As for Steve’s favourite sound, it’s the sound of the wind because he can hear the power.He then recounted that he enjoyed hearing the strong winds when he was in Sydney.[05:50] Steve’s Last MealAfter moving to Australia from England, seafood became his favourite food.While he wouldn’t pick a specific food or dish, he would have a seafood platter with the complete package for the savoury side.For dessert, he would choose crème brûlée.[07:31] If Steve Wasn’t an Entrepreneur, What Would He Be?Steve was fascinated by the idea of being a rescue diver. He loves the ocean and lives for the adrenaline rush.As a child, he wanted to be a helicopter pilot.He also started kite surfing because he wanted to do something that terrified him slightly.Doing something that terrifies you makes you feel alive. After that, everything else seems easier.[09:43] Steve’s JourneyLearning tennis was a pivotal moment that brought him out of his shell.Playing around Europe and living away from his parents significantly changed his personality.He got his knack for entrepreneurship after witnessing his father dabble in all kinds of jobs to make ends meet.He didn't last long in finance, but he enjoyed listening to people's stories and sales and thrived upon entering a recruitment agency.In 1999, he moved to Australia because he loved the sun and the ocean. He then set up his own business after getting his residency.[15:02] Leadership Skills That Stand OutWhen you see someone being an entrepreneur, you start to understand it better and believe it’s possible.Steve never had a mentor, but he had good managers.For him, a standout leader would be Mark Bouris due to his authenticity and consistency.Mark can be respectful without compromising his honesty, and Steve admires how he strives for the greater good.[19:39] Learning From Bad LeadersA not-so-standout leader would be someone he worked with for a while due to that person’s complete inability to see any failings in themselves.Most upsetting to Steve was how they treated other people almost like a bully.You learn a lot from good leaders, but you learn more from bad leaders because they teach you what not to do.[22:07] Necessary Leadership QualitiesSteve has known many leaders through startups and in the scale up space.Anyone can learn leadership skills, but some people have a natural aptitude for leading.It’s only natural that leaders will make mistakes.As a leader, finding out and doing what’s required at the moment to get you, your team, your clients, or your family to where they want to be is essential.Leadership means being able to know when change is needed and taking action.[25:37] Overcoming ChallengesHis sense of urgency is a double-edged sword — while it has helped him a lot, he might end up taking action too quickly and dealing with the consequences.Thus, a big challenge for Steve is slowing down.There have also been challenges in market perspectives and connections.Another challenge is people-pleasing. Although necessary to an extent for a recruiter, it should be moderated and rightfully placed.Understanding and accepting your strengths and weaknesses is essential.[28:49] The Importance of FeedbackSteve emphasized the importance of learning to take feedback, though he still struggles with it.The greater your ability to take feedback, the more you’ll learn.He firmly believes that if he had learned how to take feedback earlier in his career, he would’ve been much more successful by now.You get feedback from the most unexpected places, so you must be more open to it.Listening to people more helps you learn and grow quicker, so being open-minded to what you're not expecting to hear is part of a growth mindset.[32:45] Emerging Trends in RecruitmentCurrently, the Nudge Group targets startups and scaleups with no recruitment skills.Steve's work involves lots of mentoring, consulting, and teaching people how to recruit rather than doing the recruiting himself.Since the pandemic, conversations have centred around work-from-home policies and making an impact rather than finance, workplace benefits, etc.People want the freedom to decide when they'll work, and they want to work in a business where they can make a difference.Tune in to the full episode to hear Steve go into detail about giving people the freedom of choice and purpose-driven roles![37:48] Making an ImpactIt's easier to see the effects while working for an Australian business than in US or European companies.Many people switched from corporate to startups and scaleups. They feel that they can make an impact there.If corporations can create an environment where employees can see the results of their work, they will not only retain employees but also inspire them.[39:27] Staying EnergizedSince lockdown, Steve discovered that going for a swim is more effective than coffee.He also started to practice basic forms of meditation with a teacher’s help.Sleep is powerful and has a more significant impact on your health and fitness than most people realize.He’s still striving to do better when it comes to sleep, but he believes that people will see drastic changes if they work on their sleep.5 Powerful Quotes

 

[17:55] ‘And I think overall, what he's [Mark Bouris] trying to strive for is good for everyone. And that's, that's not that common. I've learned over the years.'

 

[20:34] ‘I think those people [bad leaders] teach you more than anybody else. They certainly teach you more than the good ones, which is interesting. You don't necessarily recognize these things at the time.’

 

[22:47] ‘I think leadership is really about looking at what's required at the time to get you, your team, your clients, your family, whoever it is, to where they want to go, and it completely evolves and changes and then the world we're in at the moment, even more so than perhaps it ever has. And you have to be willing to change in a heartbeat to deal with a situation that's there.’

 

[30:18] ‘I have most of the stuff I've learned by doing things wrong myself. And if I'd listened to people more, I would have learned a lot more a lot quicker. And I think the best feedback comes often at the most unusual times for the most unusual places.'

 

[41:10] ‘Sleep is more impactful than any vitamins or supplements or and it helps you know. If you're into your fitness and you want to build muscle, it's more anabolic than any of the protein powders you could take. I don't think the world understands the power of it.’

About Steve

Steve Grace is the CEO & Founder of The Nudge Group. Aimed at startups and scaleups, they offer a system called “the nudge experience” which results in accelerated hiring and rapid growth. He is also the host of the Give It A Nudge Podcast.

An entrepreneur at heart, Steve has built and sold two profitable businesses before launching The Nudge Group in 2019. He’s incredibly passionate about helping startups and scaleups grow into unicorns and providing a global ecosystem of trusted providers that help companies scale. Steve is also an active member of the Antler Angel Investor Program and CEO and Publisher of Balance the Grind.

If you wish to connect with Steve, you may reach out to him on their website or his LinkedIn.

Enjoy This Podcast?

You might be born with a talent, but you have to nurture it. Not everyone is a born leader, but anyone can learn the leadership skills necessary to become one. What are you doing today to become a better leader tomorrow?

Post a review and share it! If you learned something by tuning into this podcast, do not hesitate to write a review and share it with your friends! The world needs more people with the drive and leadership qualities to make the world a better place.

For more updates and episodes, visit and subscribe on the Limitless Leaders podcast page!

Have any questions? You can contact me through these platforms:

Company website

Instagram

Facebook

LinkedIn

 

To leading the future,

Renee

Announcing the 2022 Limitless Leaders Group Mentoring-90-day Connection

Are you ready to accelerate communication, leadership and mindset through an interactive learning experience with like and unlike minded leaders outside of your industry?

I’m super excited to ANNOUNCE enrolments are now open to join our new

2022 Limitless Leaders- 90-day Group Mentoring Program!

Working with leaders and teams within organisations for almost two decades, we have identified a real need to create an immersive public program. This will provide a forum where leaders and business owners can connect, learn and grow with others outside of their industry.

By creating a cohort of like and unlike minded leaders, who meet regularly, the Limitless Leaders 90-day Group Mentoring program will bolster onto current capability and accelerate leadership and performance by providing a space to learn and grow as a group, on one journey, sharing the diversity of experience and skill.

This program takes place in 90-day immersions, each with an overarching theme and focus with the flexibility to join at the start of any immersion.

Who is this for?

This world-class program is for leaders and business owners with a growth mindset who want to step away from their industry to contribute, connect and collaborate with others from diverse industries in real-time, within openly facilitated regular forums in a learn-and-do environment.

This is for you if you are ready to:Step back from the day to day and further develop your leadershipLearn, grow and share with others outside of your industryShift from the overwhelm of a management mindset to a clearer and more focused leadership mindsetCreate a self-reflective space for regular sharing of best practices, ideas, challenges and future thinkingLearn new ways of thinking and working to navigate the subjective challenges of leadership in real timeBe exposed to key communication, leadership and mindset enablers, tools and insights to lift your performance and that of your teamIncrease the three success factors of future leadership: adaptability, innovation and collaborationBe part of a world-class program built on 25-years of experience working across 24 industriesTake your leadership to the next levelEach Limitless Leaders 90-day Connection includes:

Masterclass-1-day face to face workshop

This 1-day interactive immersion creates the space for you to step back and work on your leadership and plan out the next 90 days. There will be a mix of content, skill practice and connection with others and time to plan and work on your leadership.Morning, afternoon tea and lunch are provided, and the venue will be Melbourne CBD.

 

 

Master Mentoring-2 hours virtual

During this 2-hour group mentoring session, all attendees will share what they are working on, challenges they are facing and progress they are making. This is a powerful approach to build momentum and address progress, challenges and questions in real time.

 

Mastermind-2.5 hours virtual

A Mastermind is a process where a group of people come together to share and discuss challenges, ideas or opportunities within a group. There is a structure to follow where the group provides questions and insights to the topic being discussed under strict timelines, which creates contribution, new ideas and a rhythm to come to a solution quickly. This provokes and initiates new ways of thinking and working, sharing of ideas and is a dynamic way to problem solve whilst utilising the richness of the group.

Master You-1:1 Coaching check in

At any time throughout the 90-day program, you can access a 1 x 30-minute coaching call with Renée. This call can be utilised to check in, be coached through a challenge, decision or opportunity, or you can gain insight into anything relevant to move you forward.

 

The mix of delivery modes in this program will stay the same for each quarter and focus on immersing attendees in the content and experience. Learning in a variety of ways opens contribution and the ability to practice, take the time to self-reflect and plan and share experience in real time. It also makes for a fun and immersive experience!

“If you want an amazing, real training experience that will leave you feeling empowered and energised, see Renée. She is so much more than just a great trainer and a coach – she is personable, thorough, and completely invested. The Limitless Leaders program gives you actual tools that you can apply holistically in your professional and personal life.” – Maja Pasariček- L&D Manager Workskil Australia

Secure your place!

Quarter 1 open to enrol

February 10th- April 7th 2022 | Theme: Lead Self

Limitless Leaders embrace collective leadership and love to learn, unlearn, relearn and evolve. They know leadership has no final destination. It is limitless.

Leaders need to lead self before they can lead others and influence decisions, with self-leadership being the foundation to success in any role.

Unfortunately, self-leadership often gets put on the backburner as the focus is on “doing” and not “being”. This can result in a lack of direction and focus, motivation and energy to lead effectively.

During this Feb-April 90-day Limitless leaders Connection, we will unwrap the key enablers to self-lead, including themes below:

Limitless leadership positionLeadership values, purpose and beliefsStrength and EI analysis6 keys to optimising self-leadership and resilienceYour leadership strategyPower of self-awareness, mindset and motivationUnderstanding and creating self-leadership habitsPersonal brand and leveraging social mediaBuilding strategic relationshipsYour 90-day plan and checklistCreating boundaries and goals

To access further details and to register, click here

Book a 1:1 discovery call with Renée to see if this is for you.

Places are limited

“Renée’s character, drive, passion and enthusiasm are infectious. Renée’s knowledge and expertise have helped me develop as an individual for over 5 years. Through the Limitless Leaders programme, I have seen a positive shift across two organisations.” – Tiana Cologna- Operations Manager-Arup

We look forward to collaborating with you on your success and making 2022 your best year yet!

Lead to be Limitless…



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Find out where you sit on the Leadership Ladder. Your responses are anonymous, and the results summarised to help us better understand where our market sits so that we can continue to provide insights, tools and solutions to assist you in moving up to be LIMITLESS, co-creative and stand out.

Renée is a mentor, coach, expert facilitator and keynote speaker; She is the author of ‘Gift Mindset®’, ‘Limitless Leadership’, and co-author of ‘Leaders of Influence’.

PS: Want to skyrocket your success from working anywhere? We’ve launched our online program, and you can read more about that here.

Have you received your copy of Renée’s latest book, Gift Mindset®? It is available on Amazon, Booktopia and in all good book stores.

If this article resonates with you somehow, I’d love to hear your thoughts – get in touch.

Being in service to my clients is why I do what I do, and your feedback, insight, and suggestions are always embraced.

Follow Renée on Facebook, Instagram, IGTV or Twitter, or subscribe to her blog or new podcast here.

 

Could fear be hindering trust in your team?

When we aren’t trusting of something or someone, we usually fear something that we are not always aware of. I believe fear is the opposite of trust.

The last 18 months has amplified fear in our lives, our beliefs and mindset have been shaken and our workplaces fragmented. In any role, fear can hold us back from leading ourselves and our team limitlessly and stop us from learning, growing, and evolving.

It could be we don’t believe in an idea or a situation or maybe that someone doesn’t possess the ability to complete a specific task or job. Maybe a project is being implemented that you saw fail in the past, or a particular person has made previous mistakes and you fear seeing this take place again.

When we lack trust, especially as a leader, we tend to try to take on the world and not always leverage the opportunities and the strengths of those around us. This can lead to a lack of delegation and using a “telling” style versus the empowering style of “asking”. The penalty for this is that we can become overwhelmed, time-poor and skill stretched leading to missed opportunities, growth and learning.

 

If the lack of trust relates to your team or work colleagues, you may not be leveraging their strengths and capabilities. This results in holding back their growth and potential as you are not empowering them and creating future leaders in the process.

If we are fearing something my question is: “What or who do I need to believe in to bridge the gap and move from fear to trust?”

Moving from fear to trust requires us to believe in ourselves, other people and the situation at hand.

An exercise we have guided many clients through has helped them move the needle on fear and gain a better understanding by making the space to reflect on the following points:

Think of a situation or an individual/s that you may not trust or be convinced of?How is not trusting in this scenario going to impact you and/or the organisation?Rate your level of trust in this situation 1-5 (1=low trust and 5 =high trust).Imagine if trust was a 5 out of 5 in this situation. What would be happening or be different?What beliefs or thoughts could impact this trust in a good way?

A bit like rapport, we can go in and out of trust. As we head back into the office and continue to work in a hybrid environment, invest in the time gauge and build trust within your team in order to reconnect and prepare for 2022.

Lead to be Limitless…



eSpeakersSeal(32459, "8d24", 'virtual', "md", "1");

Find out where you sit on the Leadership Ladder. Your responses are anonymous, and the results summarised to help us better understand where our market sits so that we can continue to provide insights, tools and solutions to assist you in moving up to be LIMITLESS, co-creative and stand out.

Renée is a mentor, coach, expert facilitator and keynote speaker; She is the author of  ‘Gift Mindset®‘, ‘Limitless Leadership’, and co-author of ‘Leaders of Influence’.

PS: Want to skyrocket your success from working anywhere? We've launched our online program, and you can read more about that here.

Have you received your copy of Renée’s latest book, Gift Mindset®? It is available on Amazon, Booktopia and in all good book stores.

If this article resonates with you somehow, I’d love to hear your thoughts – get in touch.

Being in service to my clients is why I do what I do, and your feedback, insight, and suggestions are always embraced.

Follow Renée on Facebook, Instagram, IGTV or Twitter, or subscribe to her blog or new podcast here.

 

27: Unwrap the Gift of Growth

Topic:  Unwrap the Gift of Growth 

On today’s show I have the immense pleasure in interviewing Paul Farina. 

Paul is obsessed with high-performance without the sacrifice of relationships, health, and fulfillment, he is an Educator and Author of The Rhythm Effect: A leader's guide in team performance.  

Partnering with leaders, teams, and organisations, Paul speaks to groups about the power of rhythm, and how professionals of all types can master it to synchronise their teams and create meaningful progress.

On today’s show Paul and I will speak about: 

Paul’s journey to developing the Gift of Growth; What leadership means to Paul;Paul’s leadership journey;Challenges he has overcome;How, as a Limitless Leader, he maintains balance in his life, and much more

LISTEN NOW:

 

About:

Obsessed with high-performance without the sacrifice of relationships, health, and fulfillment, Paul is an Educator and Author of The Rhythm Effect: A leader's guide in team performance. 

Partnering with leaders, teams, and organisations, Paul speaks to groups about the power of rhythm, and how professionals of all types can master it to synchronise their teams and create meaningful progress. 

Contact:

Paul Farina

 

The Gift Mindset® book is NOW available in all good bookstores and online.

If you’re ready to adopt and embrace a Gift Mindset and look at how our challenges and successes fall into 12 key areas that we call: The 12 Gifts, then go to www.GiftMindset.com and get your copy today. Or, if you’re interested in purchasing a bulk order, contact our team at: admin@reneegiarrusso.com

Why self-management is the key driver of productivity

Self-management wins over time management every day. Time is what it is.

Time is inelastic; we all get the same amount of it, and I think it’s too easy to blame time and not what we can control being our self-management when it comes to being time-poor.

At all levels of leadership we work within, being time-poor is one of the biggest challenges. I believe our productivity and results stem from how effectively we do or don't manage ourselves. In today's workplace, fewer people are doing more, and they are often working remotely, which can lead to working long hours at a more intense pace. This often sets an unrealistic expectation of what can be achieved, leaving so many people feeling unmotivated, unfulfilled and therefore guilty of what is not being achieved as opposed to what is.

Our success comes down to managing ourselves, what we do, when and how we do it and who we are. It also comes down to 2 key things,  attention and energy, which I believe we need balance.

To lead and serve ourselves, our teams and organisations, we need to do the right things at the right time to feel fulfilled. Focusing on these two areas is imperative as they directly correlate with your perception and use of time.

I don't have time!

Why do some people do and be so much with their time versus others who complain they can’t fit anything in?

We all have different lives, priorities, motivations and things that drive us. Still, if you want to leverage your best self, I reckon you need to tap into what you are thinking about and how this affects your energy and, therefore, your level of self-management.

Self-Management = Attention & Energy

Let’s think about working from home. The day has ended, and you shut your office door and then head into the kitchen. You are still thinking about the day that was and your presentation coming up in the morning. This will affect where you focus your attention and, more importantly, how you are at home. This internal chatter is consuming your thoughts. This then flows onto your energy as we all know when our minds go into overdrive and the monkey mindset kicks in, our physical, emotional, spiritual and mental energy are affected.

Did you know your brain is split into three smaller brains; the reptilian brain, the monkey brain and the logical brain, also known as the leadership brain.

In a nutshell, the reptilian brains primary focus is to survive and if/when you are under pressure or threat, this brain kicks in that fight or flight response we all know.

Our relationship brain also referred to as the monkey brain can become easily distracted as its job is to look for a connection. This brain is the one that sometimes struggles to focus on one thing; it causes internal chatter and can be the trigger of self-doubt. We are all familiar with this one, the cheeky and distracting brain.

The Leadership brain or logical brain (neocortex) is the one that looks into the future, and its key role is to create and think about a better world and solve problems creatively. This is where I believe successful leaders operate from.

The only way we can control and direct our attention where it counts is by controlling our thoughts.

Sound easy? Not at all, I believe this is a constant battle for most people, but by being aware of the three brains, I think we can at least be consciously aware of where we are operating from.

So, take time to control the monkey brain and don’t buy into its chatter. Look into what negative inner dialogue you are hearing and flip it. What unresolved situations are you carrying around that turns the clearness of your world opaque? What is stifling your productivity?

Our thoughts are the only thing we can control, and as much as it takes time, focus and laser-like discipline, the pay-off is huge. Having what I call purposeful thoughts and being deeply self-aware can prevent the reptile brain from kicking in and triggering that fight or flight response.

When our attention is clear, open and present, our energy is directed at the right things. When this happens, we can focus on what counts at a deeper level and leverage the inelastic vortex that is time.

As always, I would love your thoughts!

Lead to be Limitless…



eSpeakersSeal(32459, "8d24", 'virtual', "md", "1");

Find out where you sit on the Leadership Ladder. Your responses are anonymous, and the results are summarised to help us better understand where our market sits so that we can continue to provide insights, tools and solutions to assist you in moving up to be LIMITLESS, co-creative and stand out.

Renée is a mentor, coach, expert facilitator and keynote speaker; She is the author of  ‘Gift Mindset®‘, ‘Limitless Leadership’, and co-author of ‘Leaders of Influence’.

PS: Want to skyrocket your success from working anywhere? We've launched our online program, and you can read more about that here.

Have you received your copy of Renée’s latest book, Gift Mindset®? It is available on Amazon, Booktopia and in all good book stores.

If this article resonates with you somehow, I’d love to hear your thoughts – get in touch.

Being in service to my clients is why I do what I do, and your feedback, insight, and suggestions are always embraced.

Follow Renée on Facebook, Instagram, IGTV or Twitter, or subscribe to her blog or new podcast here.

 

Leading change with curiosity in uncertain times

Change is one of the constants in life, and with change often comes uncertainty, fear and overwhelm.

Never before have we been faced with so much uncertainty in our lives. With never-ending lockdowns, the challenges that come with remote and hybrid work, work-life balance, homeschooling and trying to motivate and navigate ourselves and teams through the fog, it can be exhausting and overwhelming.

In this stop-start-stop-start life, we need to adapt, and I reckon to lead an organisation and create a culture open to change, innovation and creativity, curiosity is key. The future of leadership requires us now, more than ever, to adapt, innovate and collaborate, and I reckon curiosity deserves some attention.

Curiosity is a motivating desire for more information. It’s the engine that drives learning, innovation and achievement. This helps us grow and can help us explore challenging situations and changes with a growth mindset.

Dr Daniel Berlyne was a pioneer in curiosity research in the ’60s. His work in experimental and exploratory psychology has served as the foundational research for many scientists who have followed. He stated that curiosity is innate to our being, not unlike food and water.

He also concluded that three key sources instigate it:

novelty – that which is new or unknown to us
ambiguity – that which is confusing to us
complexity – partially known to us and where we seek to know more

All these sources of curiosity surround us – it’s up to us to raise our emotional intelligence, be aware of these, and decide what to do next.

5 keys to curiosity1. Open your mind

Opening your mind takes discipline, and the more open you are, the more likely you will be to receive new information and ideas that can help you continue to be curious.

Avoid closing yourself or others off and stretch out of your safe zone – anything outside your comfort zone is growth. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and stay present when listening. I ask myself, ‘What can I learn from this person?’ – this opens up my mind to receive and not discount the ideas or opinions of others.

2. Ask questions

Asking questions of yourself, others, and situations help you become a more effective communicator and build stronger relationships and leadership capabilities.

Asking questions with intention is a great way to understand, seek information and explore your curiosity in the process.
Asking open questions is key. One tip to asking open questions is to add ‘tell me about’ to the start of your questions – this will turn them into an open question.

When we ask curious, open questions, we need to be open to not knowing the answer and not assume or judge. Our intention should be to focus on learning and understanding more.

Only ask one question at a time and base your next question on the response you receive.

3. Flipping statements into questions

When we think about something, we articulate it in our minds as either a statement or a question. For example, flipping a statement such as ‘What that team did was great’ to ‘I wonder how that team achieved that?’ will change your energy and provoke questioning and conversations. It changes a one-dimensional thought to a two-dimensional question. Take the time to observe the statements you think or write, such as in an email, and flip these into questions.

4.  Listen and be present

Research found that only 2% of leaders have ever received any training on how to listen, and most people struggle to listen and not just ‘hear’.

We aren’t wired to listen as human beings, although it is one of the first things we learn in our mother’s womb. We think at more than 400 words a minute and speak at 150, so it’s no wonder our minds wander when we should be listening.

To be truly curious, we need to listen to:

ourselves both logically and intuitivelythe responses of others, without bias or judgementsituations that present themselvesthoughts, feedback and feelings through all our senses5.  Be interested

Reframe ‘boring’ or situations and people we are fearful of ‘interesting’. A simple reframe can change your energy, attitude and ability to be curious. We can learn much from others if we have an open mind and question things.

When the stakes are high, and the pressure is on, it can be difficult for us to pause before acting, take a step back and reflect on why we are doing what we are doing.

Sometimes questioning our actions on the bigger things can be hampered by our inaction on questioning the smaller things.

Take the time to build your curiosity muscle and create the space to make it part of your team and organisational culture.

I’d love to hear what you do to instil curiosity?

Lead to be Limitless…



eSpeakersSeal(32459, "8d24", 'virtual', "md", "1");

Find out where you sit on the Leadership Ladder. Your responses are anonymous, and the results are summarised to help us better understand where our market sits so that we can continue to provide insights, tools and solutions to assist you in moving up to be LIMITLESS, co-creative and stand out.

Renée is a mentor, coach, expert facilitator and keynote speaker; She is the author of  ‘Gift Mindset®‘, ‘Limitless Leadership’, and co-author of ‘Leaders of Influence’.

PS: Want to skyrocket your success from working anywhere? We've launched our online program, and you can read more about that here.

Have you received your copy of Renée’s latest book, Gift Mindset®? It is available on Amazon, Booktopia and in all good book stores.

If this article resonates with you somehow, I’d love to hear your thoughts – get in touch.

Being in service to my clients is why I do what I do, and your feedback, insight, and suggestions are always embraced.

Follow Renée on Facebook, Instagram, IGTV or Twitter, or subscribe to her blog or new podcast here.

 

Announcing 3 NEW Public Live Virtual Workshops

The last 18 months have been challenging for many of us. It's been another year of constant change, uncertainty for our future, remote work, never-ending lockdowns and the daily challenge of juggling a balance between our professional and personal lives.

It’s easy to get caught up in the doing, especially within the workplace. This can lead to a lack of focus on providing informative and inspirational learning bursts to develop yourself, your team and lift the organisational culture.

At RG Dynamics, we work in-house with clients across multiple industries at all levels, and in conjunction with this, we run Public Virtual Sessions targeted at leaders and teams. We’ve run over 200 virtual sessions since the pandemic hit in early 2020, and we are pleased to announce 3 new live online workshops for the last quarter of this year.

We love running interactive and dynamic virtual sessions that I call, Virtual-Bites because of the richness and diversity that the participants bring.

Sharing across industries (what we call bubble hopping) is crucial to learning, growing, expanding, and exploring the things you don’t always get exposure to working within an organisation.

With the end of the year fast approaching, what better time to
re-energise, upskill and continue to develop.

.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-0{width:100% !important;margin-top : 0px;margin-bottom : 20px;}.fusion-builder-column-0 > .fusion-column-wrapper {padding-top : 0px !important;padding-right : 0px !important;margin-right : 1.92%;padding-bottom : 0px !important;padding-left : 0px !important;margin-left : 1.92%;}@media only screen and (max-width:1024px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-0{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-0 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 1.92%;margin-left : 1.92%;}}@media only screen and (max-width:640px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-0{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-0 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 1.92%;margin-left : 1.92%;}}.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-1{width:33.333333333333% !important;margin-top : 0px;margin-bottom : 20px;}.fusion-builder-column-1 > .fusion-column-wrapper {padding-top : 0px !important;padding-right : 0px !important;margin-right : 5.76%;padding-bottom : 0px !important;padding-left : 0px !important;margin-left : 5.76%;}@media only screen and (max-width:1024px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-1{width:33.333333333333% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-1 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 5.76%;margin-left : 5.76%;}}@media only screen and (max-width:640px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-1{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-1 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 1.92%;margin-left : 1.92%;}}This energetic session will provide practical insights and tools that can supercharge new ways of thinking and working remotely and give you an overview of key areas. Gain CONTROL, get CLARITY and AMPLIFY collaboration when working from anywhere..fusion-button.button-1 {border-radius:4px;}TO REGISTER CLICK HERE.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-2{width:66.666666666667% !important;margin-top : 0px;margin-bottom : 20px;}.fusion-builder-column-2 > .fusion-column-wrapper {padding-top : 0px !important;padding-right : 0px !important;margin-right : 2.88%;padding-bottom : 0px !important;padding-left : 0px !important;margin-left : 2.88%;}@media only screen and (max-width:1024px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-2{width:66.666666666667% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-2 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 2.88%;margin-left : 2.88%;}}@media only screen and (max-width:640px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-2{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-2 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 1.92%;margin-left : 1.92%;}}.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-3{width:33.333333333333% !important;margin-top : 0px;margin-bottom : 20px;}.fusion-builder-column-3 > .fusion-column-wrapper {padding-top : 0px !important;padding-right : 0px !important;margin-right : 5.76%;padding-bottom : 0px !important;padding-left : 0px !important;margin-left : 5.76%;}@media only screen and (max-width:1024px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-3{width:33.333333333333% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-3 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 5.76%;margin-left : 5.76%;}}@media only screen and (max-width:640px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-3{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-3 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 1.92%;margin-left : 1.92%;}}

Imagine LEADING with a GIFT MINDSET®, where our biggest lessons come through embracing, not resisting, the challenges and successes we experience and sharing these.

The lessons we learn need to be shared to empower others, create openness and trust and in the process become a survival guide for others, including that for future leaders.

.fusion-button.button-2 {border-radius:4px;}TO REGISTER CLICK HERE.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-4{width:66.666666666667% !important;margin-top : 0px;margin-bottom : 20px;}.fusion-builder-column-4 > .fusion-column-wrapper {padding-top : 0px !important;padding-right : 0px !important;margin-right : 2.88%;padding-bottom : 0px !important;padding-left : 0px !important;margin-left : 2.88%;}@media only screen and (max-width:1024px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-4{width:66.666666666667% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-4 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 2.88%;margin-left : 2.88%;}}@media only screen and (max-width:640px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-4{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-4 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 1.92%;margin-left : 1.92%;}}.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-5{width:33.333333333333% !important;margin-top : 0px;margin-bottom : 20px;}.fusion-builder-column-5 > .fusion-column-wrapper {padding-top : 0px !important;padding-right : 0px !important;margin-right : 5.76%;padding-bottom : 0px !important;padding-left : 0px !important;margin-left : 5.76%;}@media only screen and (max-width:1024px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-5{width:33.333333333333% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-5 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 5.76%;margin-left : 5.76%;}}@media only screen and (max-width:640px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-5{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-5 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 1.92%;margin-left : 1.92%;}}Strong EI is crucial in building strong relationships, interactions and cultures within and outside of your organisation. Join us for a virtual bite on Team Connection through Emotional Intelligence. Receive Tools, tips and actionable insights to reconnect and re-energise you and your team..fusion-button.button-3 {border-radius:4px;}TO REGISTER CLICK HERE.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-6{width:66.666666666667% !important;margin-top : 0px;margin-bottom : 20px;}.fusion-builder-column-6 > .fusion-column-wrapper {padding-top : 0px !important;padding-right : 0px !important;margin-right : 2.88%;padding-bottom : 0px !important;padding-left : 0px !important;margin-left : 2.88%;}@media only screen and (max-width:1024px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-6{width:66.666666666667% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-6 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 2.88%;margin-left : 2.88%;}}@media only screen and (max-width:640px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-6{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-6 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 1.92%;margin-left : 1.92%;}}.fusion-body .fusion-flex-container.fusion-builder-row-1{ padding-top : 0px;margin-top : 0px;padding-right : 0px;padding-bottom : 0px;margin-bottom : 0px;padding-left : 0px;}

Lead to be Limitless…



eSpeakersSeal(32459, "8d24", 'virtual', "md", "1");

Find out where you sit on the Leadership Ladder. Your responses are anonymous, and the results summarised to help us better understand where our market sits so that we can continue to provide insights, tools and solutions to assist you in moving up to be LIMITLESS, co-creative and stand out.

Renée is a mentor, coach, expert facilitator and keynote speaker; She is the author of  ‘Gift Mindset®‘, ‘Limitless Leadership’, and co-author of ‘Leaders of Influence’.

PS: Want to skyrocket your success from working anywhere? We've launched our online program, and you can read more about that here.

Have you received your copy of Renée’s latest book, Gift Mindset®? It is available on Amazon, Booktopia and in all good book stores.

If this article resonates with you somehow, I’d love to hear your thoughts – get in touch.

Being in service to my clients is why I do what I do, and your feedback, insight, and suggestions are always embraced.

Follow Renée on Facebook, Instagram, IGTV or Twitter, or subscribe to her blog or new podcast here.

.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-7{width:100% !important;margin-top : 0px;margin-bottom : 20px;}.fusion-builder-column-7 > .fusion-column-wrapper {padding-top : 0px !important;padding-right : 0px !important;margin-right : 1.92%;padding-bottom : 0px !important;padding-left : 0px !important;margin-left : 1.92%;}@media only screen and (max-width:1024px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-7{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-7 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 1.92%;margin-left : 1.92%;}}@media only screen and (max-width:640px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-7{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-7 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 1.92%;margin-left : 1.92%;}}.fusion-body .fusion-flex-container.fusion-builder-row-2{ padding-top : 0px;margin-top : 0px;padding-right : 0px;padding-bottom : 0px;margin-bottom : 0px;padding-left : 0px;}

The 8 Keys to deal with change when feeling overwhelmed

September 9 is R U OK Day.

A day to check in with each other and encourage ongoing conversations for all of us to be more open and aware of the signs of the mental health struggles that many people face.

Today is a good reminder to do this and make it part of the conversation regularly.

We live in a world of uncertainty, constant change, negative news and high rates of mental illness, overwhelm and suicide. Constant change creates uncertainty, especially when it’s forced upon us. More than ever, we need to focus on what we can control and strategies to deal with all that is going on around us.

Forced change is daunting, but it can also bring so many gifts. The Gift of Change has taught me that my mindset, self-belief and staying focused on what can be done is pivotal in any change I face in the future.

Change is imperative in life. I believe it equates to growth, new learnings and possibilities.

Here are three questions you can ask yourself to gauge whether you are out of your comfort zone and open to change:

Is your ‘why’ to change exceeding your ‘why’ to stay the same?How open are you being to identify and implement necessary changes?What do you do that scares you and opens you up to new possibilities?

The changes we face in life can come in varying forms, both professionally and personally. I know the most successful people, leaders, and business owners embrace unknown change and take risks to grow. They don’t stay with what is comfortable – a trap that is easy to fall into.

Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself. — Rumi

The below 8 keys will help you to embrace change and improve your mindset.

To download the 8 Keys to Embrace Change infographic click here.

The 8 keys to embrace change

We all deal with change in our own way. Whether your Gift of Change and the lessons learnt are hidden in the past or happening now, the following tried-and-tested tips will help you unwrap this gift.

1   Develop and leverage supportive relationships

You don’t need to go through change alone. A problem or challenge shared is a problem halved. Tap into those relationships where you can get support and feel open to be supported. In and out of the workplace, ensure you tap into people who make you feel good and that you trust and feel comfortable with. Remember, as human beings; we love to help each other. Leverage the relationships that serve you and help you progress forward.1 Know the reason – the ‘why' to change

2  Your ‘why’ to change must exceed your ‘why’ to stay the same.

Make sure your chosen change is happening for the right reason, especially when you influence it. You will only embrace change or buy into it if there is something in it for you. Not embracing change is usually due to a lack of clarity around the reasons why.

3  Focus on what isn't changing and what you can control

As humans, we naturally concentrate on what is changing. When dealing with change, it helps to focus on a few things that aren’t changing. This gives you a sense of stability to help you deal with what is changing.

4  Find a balance between the logical and the emotional

There’s a great book called Switch by Dan and Chip Heath. It focuses on being on the same page with your emotional and rational sides when dealing with change. They use the example of the elephant (representing our emotional side) and the rider (representing our rational side). Our emotions can overwhelm our rational thoughts in the same way a large elephant could overwhelm a rider. But if we rely solely on rational behaviour, we can overthink things. Dan and Chip suggest directing the rider and motivating the elephant.

5  Know what lights you up

Tap into the things that motivate you and make you feel alive. Doing what energises us can be used to fuel us through a change. When I was shifting my business to online during the pandemic, I made sure I connected with others online and ran virtual workshops as much as I could, as I knew that connection is what would keep my energy up.

6  Be mindful of change effort

Change can be exhausting. The effort that goes into dealing with any change can affect us physically, mentally and emotionally, especially when going through a major change or more than one change at a time. It is known that large changes can zap our self-control, and consequently, our capacity to think, focus, be creative and persist becomes non-existent.

7  Avoid decision paralysis

Too many options can cause us to freeze up and default to doing nothing.

Think about a retail store crammed and overflowing with items or a dinner menu with endless options. We can get what I call ‘decision fatigue’ and end up not purchasing anything. I’ve been in work meetings where so many options and ideas are generated that people become overwhelmed, and nothing gets actioned.

8  Be excited by change and what could be

Change can generate infinite possibilities and growth. Reframe the situation by being excited and lose the words ‘nervous’, ‘anxious’ and ‘overwhelmed’. Focus on your values and not your fears, and let your thoughts and actions feed into this. Think about what could go right – refer back to a positive change you have experienced before and the outcome of that.

Change isn’t easy, but it’s easier when you don’t go it alone.

Reach out if you need a chat; we value you in our community and are here for support and to be in service to you.

Lead to be Limitless…



eSpeakersSeal(32459, "8d24", 'virtual', "md", "1");

Find out where you sit on the Leadership Ladder. Your responses are anonymous, and the results summarised to help us better understand where our market sits so that we can continue to provide insights, tools and solutions to assist you in moving up to be LIMITLESS, co-creative and stand out.

Renée is a mentor, coach, expert facilitator and keynote speaker; She is the author of  ‘Gift Mindset®‘, ‘Limitless Leadership’, and co-author of ‘Leaders of Influence’.

PS: Want to skyrocket your success from working anywhere? We've launched our online program, and you can read more about that here.

Have you received your copy of Renée’s latest book, Gift Mindset®? It is available on Amazon, Booktopia and in all good book stores.

If this article resonates with you somehow, I’d love to hear your thoughts – get in touch.

Being in service to my clients is why I do what I do, and your feedback, insight, and suggestions are always embraced.

Follow Renée on Facebook, Instagram, IGTV or Twitter, or subscribe to her blog or new podcast here.