In today’s workplace, it’s so easy for the only focus to be on productivity. We’re constantly pushing for more, more, better, better. Although productivity is fantastic, we have to be careful not to become unbalanced. You can have too much of a “good thing”. Striving for productivity is just that, striving. Striving for anything without balance becomes detrimental to the health of the employees and the workplace as a whole. When we lose sight of the opposite of striving, allowing and receiving, a healthy drive turns into a stressful, mindless struggle. The key is finding and maintaining receptivity.
In a leadership role, being receptive allows others the space for inspiration and growth. The best leaders are great listeners who not only guide, but also support others and create a sense of trust. When we’re receptive we are receiving information and knowledge from a variety of sources. We’re open to new ideas and notice things that we may not have when we are too busy being hard focused on the end goal.
So how can we bring more receptivity into our business life? Here are some simple tips:
1 – Listen up! Number one rule for sure. In order to be receptive, you must be listening! Active listening does not involve talking. Check yourself, are you responding before others finish, assuming you know where they are going?
2 – Allow time for others and yourself. Although deadlines are real, sometimes we can take it too far. Make sure you are giving others your time and attention. This includes you, stop every now and then to check in on your own thoughts & ideas before charging ahead.
3 – Say thank you. Acknowledging others and their contributions is important. Even just being there is something. Be sure to let people know that you recognize their efforts and that they are a part of the team.
4 – Ask questions. Sometimes people are afraid to speak up and share their ideas. Be sure to ask questions to engage others in the conversation.
5 – Be honest. It’s very important to be clear and honest when giving feedback. Direct feedback is far more effective than unclear skirting around of actual issues, which can be not only confusing but damaging.
6 – Be compassionate. Recognize when it’s appropriate to offer direct feedback and the manner in which you are doing it. We are people first. It is important to recognize when someone makes an honest mistake that they are aware of and not to punish others for being human. When offering a criticism or feedback, make sure it’s clear it isn’t personal.
7 – Take breaks. Allow yourself appropriate time to rest and restore your energy! Both physical AND mental. When we work, work, work without respite there’s no room for receiving anything.
8 – Change it up. Break out of the routine and change things up now and then. This inspires your creativity. Creativity and receptivity go hand in hand.