Time, Talent, Trials, and Treasure

Do you know what it feels like when you hear someone say, "we are too busy?" Do you simply accept that statement? Do you ask any questions when you hear that?

Spoiler alert: This mindset of being "too busy" can be changed with a revolutionary approach to equipping people.

TIME

At the root of "we are too busy," is a perceived lack of time. I say perceived because every task, period of focus, and effort is a choice. Yes, there are deadlines. Yes, there are things that have to be done in a specific sequence to get the right outcomes. However, there is more to this story, a hidden factor at work every day with every person...the "D" factor. The "D" stands for distraction, disruption, disagreements, deflection, defensiveness, and a lack of delegation. I am sure you can add other "D" words to this list. Do you know the average time frame for someone to be distracted in the workplace? 3 minutes! That's right, the average employee is distracted every 3 minutes. Imagine what that does to the three most important resources each person uses every day...time, focus, energy.

The impact this has on our ability to get things done is massive. Think about a time when you were working on an important task and you got distracted. How did you feel about that distraction? How long did it take you to get past the emotion(s) of being distracted? How long did it take you to refocus on your initial effort?

One unchangeable fact, we cannot extend the amount of time in a day. So, how do we get more done more efficiently? By developing "C" factors. Capacity, confidence, competence, consequential thinking, communication, collaboration, and cognitive skills. If we cannot extend the number of hours in a day to be more productive, then the solution is to grow our "C" factors. And there lies the dilemma.

I work with organizations of all sizes. In the last several years, EVERY organization I have worked with has used the "we are too busy" phrase. Most clients use it consistently and frequently. What is the easy answer? Less "D" factors and more "C" factors. Accomplishing this is the challenge.

If we can't change the amount of available time in a day,

we have to look at what else can be changed.

TALENT

If we can't change the amount of available time in a day, we have to look at what else can be changed. The most important asset in any organization is the talent it has. I use the word talent instead of people for a reason. From years of working in organizational development, certain truths have become clear:

1. Every organization needs talent to succeed.
2. The level of talent in each role in the organization will determine the value produced from that role.
3. There is a level of value that must be achieved in every role in an organization for it to be successful and achieve the mission and vision.

With these truths in mind, then the path to success goes through the talent in an organization.

Understanding people and their talent (and talent potential) is one of the greatest knowledge gaps in organizations!

I stand by this statement. Why? Because I see it played out every day in the workplace. The exciting news...there is an easy solution! Here are some proven steps to gain this insight:

• Start with a data driven approach using validated multi-dimensional assessments. (PLEASE do not use one assessment and think you have the whole picture.) This can be highly insightful into the talent and talent potential of an individual. It is a huge advantage in selecting, on-boarding, and developing the talent needed to succeed.
• Begin your discovery of an individual and their talent in the hiring process.
• Set expectations for the value each role should should bring. Set up "Success Pathways" for each role.
• Make coaching and mentoring a part of your culture.
• Spend time with people and invest in them.

The key to success and a competitive advantage is understanding the available talent and then developing that talent (people).

TRIALS

Back to our statement, "we are too busy." The challenges we face today are greater than anytime in the past. No, I am not the prophet of doom, the facts simply bear this out. Here are a few facts to consider:

• The world is facing a human energy crisis - at home and at work. Wellbeing scores continue to decline; rates of burnout, social isolation and emotional detachment are at all-time highs. These issues are especially concerning for younger generations. (SOH Report 2023)

• In 2020, our society concluded that sickness and potential death by a coronavirus must be stopped at all costs. The United States subsequently shut down a $20+ trillion economy -- bankrupting countless small businesses -- and closed schools. All of this combined to put employees, families and kids in an unimaginable state of uncertainty. This new state of uncertainty grinds the life out of people a little bit every day.  (Gallup - The Mood of the World)

• In a 2020 worldwide survey, Gallup found that roughly seven in 10 people are struggling or suffering in their lives. (Gallup - The Mood of the World)
• Microsoft’s Work Trends report found that over half of employees (53%) say they are more likely to prioritize health and wellbeing over work than before the pandemic, particularly parents (55%) and women (56%). (Microsoft (2022, March 16). 2022 Work Trend Index:Annual Report)
• More than half of managers (53%) report feeling burned out at work. (Microsoft (2022, March 16). 2022 Work Trend Index: Annual Report)

These are BIG issues! How can we possibly overcome these challenges? How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.

Assess - Equip - Align

TREASURE

I stated earlier that there is a revolutionary approach to equipping people and growing their talent. After a decade of deep work in organizations combining the tools of psychology + neuroscience + business experience + certifications in Advanced Training, I have developed the "FIT EQuipping" process (FIT stands for Focused Intentional Transformation). It is literally what it sounds like. Focused learning combined with specific practices and a process of reflection to upskill people and enhance their talents. It is built for the way our brains learn and retain learning, and leverages learning methodologies that are very practical and understandable. The greater the FITness level, the more "C" factors people will be able to apply.

Why this type of training and development? Because it adds value while fitting into people's busy schedules. It all starts with multi-dimensional assessments. These provide the insight necessary to find the right path forward.

Many of the issues and challenges people face today in the workplace could be avoided with the right equipping, growth, and development. This is where I see the greatest opportunity for leaders and organizations that have the foresight to invest in their people. The problem is many do not have this foresight. Training and development either is the first thing cut or never even gets started. What a waste of human talent potential!

Let me leave you with this question...would you rather be in an organization where people are growing their talent together, or one where what you have today is where you will stay? 

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 Copyright © 2023 EQFIT® - Author: Steven Goodner. All rights reserved. No portion of this material may be reproduced in any form without permission from the publisher, except as permitted by U.S. copyright law. For permissions contact: [email protected].