The past few blogs have been all about change. This week is the “can do” week. Next week is “off” because I am again, on holiday. Then it’s back in the saddle for me.

What can you do? (Step 2)

Add that to what you want and what you need - and you have a great start!

We all need to keep “fresh” and grow.

But not every attempt at a change is successful. Some are, of course, failures.

Failure is the next step towards success. Those “blips” I consider “learning events” when we take the time to reflect and learn from the situation.

You can change, too.

Use your strengths to work on your weaknesses

When you know your strengths, go in the opposite direction for growth. That means gently pushing towards your weaknesses, using your strengths as your basis, as your foundation.

For example, if you are big on doing things right all the time, allow yourself some slack but also keep doing (most things) right. OR- if you want to grow in your relationships and you are good at listening, try sharing and being more vulnerable for growth, at the same time, still asking good questions and practicing active listening.

In conflict and stressful situations…

When you say, write or do something you want to take back, what can you do?

Be humble

Admit your fault

Apologize sincerely

Start again anew

All this is good, but it may not change long-instilled negative patters.

When you want learn to change your negative responses, what can you do? You can STOP and be SOBER.

We all have fears, and fear is normal. We are made to have fear so we run away from imminent danger.

But sometimes our fear goes “sideways” and comes out in the “wrong place.

Sometimes we are afraid of the wrong things.

Sometimes fear overwhelms and gets us in a stuck place.

When you have change and conflict at work, what can you do and how can you make sure you are part of the solution(s), and not part of the problem(s)? Suggestions below:

You can change your life, your work, your company. It’s a challenge and it’s possible to change.

When we get feedback we can be wise and try to change or we can be foolish and blame someone or something else to avoid change. It’s our choice of response.

When you reflect on your situation, really accept it for what it is, then you can use your reflections to change what is do-able.

What is supervision? Awareness and reflection for development are key to success.