“Chronic stress … opens the door to burnout at work — a toxic mix of exhaustion, reduced professional efficacy, and increased cynicism about work that research from Gallup suggests affects about two-thirds of full-time workers at any given time,” according to an article in McKinsey & Company: McKinsey Quarterly, “How to Turn Everyday Stress Into ‘Optimal Stress.’”
While we cannot completely eliminate stress, we can avoid some decisions that create it. When we courageously “Stand on Truths,” we reduce the amount and impact of stress on our lives. In the last article, “Leaders — Be Possibilities Focused,” I shared the most significant characteristics of the change proficiency, Possibilities-Focused. This article will introduce the next change proficiency tool, Stand on Truths, to guide you and those you lead through business or professional changes and everyday challenges.
What Does it Mean to Stand on Truths?
To Stand on Truths is to challenge and then validate or rectify thoughts or beliefs attached to our professional goals that may be counterproductive. Then, based on the updated information, we must choose our path and realign our plan to support the new direction.
Why Must You Stand on Truths?
Our thoughts dictate our actions. Decisions that do not have a foundation in truth, whether due to our judgment being clouded by personal preferences, unrealistic expectations or wishful thinking, can undermine and delay targeted outcomes and result in greater pressure at work.
One of my clients, who has a full-time job, had a self-imposed goal of working 15 hours a week to build her own business. As the months went by, rarely did she accomplish that goal. Why? In her opinion, unforeseen family-related matters prevented her. In reality, the things that usually interfered with her weekly goal were not unexpected. Yet, despite the evidence, she was undeterred and resolved to meet her weekly time quota without making any adjustments in her family or business commitments. The result? Increased stress.
Often, we may be unaware that a decision we have made has locked us in an unproductive and stressful pattern, resulting in loss of time, resources and finances. Have you ever allowed a decision not based on truth to sabotage your goals?
Yes, some pressure-filled situations are beyond our control; but it is essential, especially during times of constant change and uncertainty, that we Stand on Truths. When we do so, we avoid self-inflicted anxiety.
How Can You Stand on Truths?
To Stand on Truths, you need to clarify assumptions, choose a path and realign your plan.
Clarify Assumptions
First, analyze the data behind your decision to confirm or deny its validity. For example, you may have created a long to-do list that “must” be completed today. Will you finish everything on that list? Reflect on past experiences to answer that question. If the answer is no, admit at the start that some work will be left undone. When you do that, you avoid stress that stems from trying to do the impossible and are better equipped to focus on the remaining tasks.
Another example could be contemplating if you should add a new project to your current workload. Ask yourself: how well am I meeting targeted goals in my current tasks or projects? Examine your performance. Then, you have concrete evidence on which to base your decision.
Choose Your Path
While you might feel this next step would occur naturally, it often does not. It can be challenging to shift gears or release an unrealistic timeline. Make a conscious and courageous decision to acknowledge and claim your new truths and accept how the new direction might impact your goals. In the example directly above, let us say you struggle to complete current projects. To choose your path would mean to accept that unless you expand your team or resources, you probably should not take on additional projects.
Realign Your Plan
To implement new truths will require you to readjust, recalculate or reschedule your existing timelines. How do you do that? Modify or create a new plan of action. In the case of the client I mentioned earlier, who struggled to fulfill her self-imposed 15-hour weekly commitment, she had to accept the new truths on what was really possible. Then, she was able to realign her current responsibilities and timeline with her new direction. That resulted in a more efficient way to complete her goals and less stress.
As leaders, you face decisions that will impact the achievement of your goals. When there is a disparity between projected and actual results, clarify your assumptions, choose a new path and realign your plan. As you apply the change proficiency tool Stand on Truths, you will create sustainable progress, increase confidence and reduce stress.
The next article will introduce the Change Proficiency tool, Purposeful Intentions.
Donna Johnson-Klonsky, MBA, PCC
DJ Consulting Services, Inc.
East Fishkill, New York 12533
djohnson@djcsfirm.com
845-447-1037
