Practicing Patience At Work

I’ve seen so many talented people burn out trying to meet deadlines at any cost. They work late into the night, pushing themselves beyond their limits, thinking it’s just part of the job. They think, "If I just finish this, I’ll be okay." But here's the truth: Deadlines are temporary, but burnout lasts much longer. Chasing that next deadline can cost you more than just time; it can take your well-being, your health, and your passion for the work. You don’t need to sacrifice yourself to meet every deadline. Here’s what you can do instead: • Recognize the signs of burnout before it’s too late. • Set realistic boundaries and expectations. • Take breaks—your health is more important than any task. • Speak up when the pressure feels too much—your well-being matters. Work is important, but so are you. Don’t let the pressure of deadlines steal your peace. How do you manage stress and avoid burnout? Let’s share some strategies in the comments.

Impatient leadership can ruin trust—here’s why patience is the real power move: Why Patience is Powerful: - Earns Trust:     Teams and clients need time to see your impact. - Supports Sustainable Growth:     Long-term success is built through consistent effort. - Encourages Perseverance:     Steady work and dedication lead to real achievements. How to Lead with Patience: 1. Focus on the Long Game:      ➠ Avoid chasing quick wins; aim for lasting impact. 2. Acknowledge Small Milestones:      ➠ Celebrate progress to keep spirits high. 3. Promote Open Dialogue:      ➠ Listen and ensure everyone feels valued. 4. Stay Steady:      ➠ Show up every day, committed and consistent. Lessons from Experience: As an entrepreneur, I’ve learned that patience isn't passive waiting. It's about holding the vision and pushing forward, even without immediate results. Coaching has taught me that true leaders inspire growth through steady, patient action. --- Takeaways: - Patient Leaders:     ➟ Build trust and achieve lasting results. - Impatient Leaders:     ➟ Miss long-term success chasing short-term gains. - Think Beyond Today:     ➟ Celebrate small steps and keep your eyes on the future. --- How do you practice patience in your leadership role? Let’s discuss below! ♻️ Share this if you agree.   👉 Follow Jay Mount for more leadership insights.

Underrated leadership lesson: Be radically transparent. Feedback shouldn't happen just once a year. It should be a daily, continuous loop. During my 10 years at Bridgewater, I received 12,385 pieces of feedback. And, it wasn't just reserved for formal reviews. Feedback was given LIVE throughout the day. In the middle of a presentation? Feedback. Right after answering a question? Feedback. Truthfully, as an employee, I didn't always love it. But I valued it. After all, they're called blind spots for a reason. This was all the result of one key principle: Radical transparency. A system that integrates candid feedback into daily work life, Allowing employees to constantly assess and be assessed. Here's why it works: ✅ Good thinking and behavior increase ↳ Processes improve when logic is analyzed in real time. ✅ High standards are maintained  ↳ Problems get fixed faster when everything is visible. ✅ No more workplace hierarchies ↳ Continuous improvement happens when everyone is accountable. It's a principle that didn't just change my resilience to feedback. It completely transformed my leadership as a whole. So managers, Consider implementing radical transparency for these 7 reasons: 1. Faster problem-solving ↳ Small issues are easier to fix than big ones. 2. Openness saves time ↳ Less time wasted on gossip and tracking information. 3. Accelerated learning  ↳ Teams grow faster when they understand each other’s thinking. 4. Long-term success ↳ Ongoing feedback improves leadership and the organization. 5. Building an idea of meritocracy ↳ Transparency builds trust and rewards good ideas. 6. Reduced workplace inefficiencies ↳ Open communication cuts wasted time and confusion. 7. Proactive issue resolution ↳ Fixing small problems early prevents bigger ones. While getting scores live in the mid-presentation may not be for everyone: Becoming more transparent has real, tangible benefits, And can put you on a streamlined path to success. Leaders - are you brave enough to try it? ♻️ Repost to help other leaders become radically transparent. 🔔 And follow Dave Kline for more. 

Are you frequently overwhelmed by worries, even about minor things? This could be a sign of anxiety. While anxiety is a common feeling involving unease, worry, or fear - particularly during periods of uncertainty, change, or high-stress situations - if not addressed, it can evolve to be pervasive. Anxiety can make it difficult to focus on our work and impact productivity and well-being. According to a study by Champion Health in the UK, 60% of employees experience some form of anxiety. This statistic is concerning, but what's more troubling is that many people suffer in silence, unaware or unwilling to acknowledge their struggles. Throughout my journey, I've encountered numerous moments where, in retrospect, anxiety was a silent battle for me. Externally, I appeared successful, but I was wrestling with persistent worries and self-doubt internally. Thankfully, with professional help and a supportive personal network, I've learned to manage these challenges better. My experiences have underscored the need to openly discuss anxiety and educate ourselves on coping mechanisms and support options. To get some practical insights and tips on this topic, I reached out to my friend Dana Berri. Dana is a licensed psychologist with expertise in applying Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) techniques. Here are 3 invaluable tips she shared on managing anxiety: 1. Befriend your anxiety and allow it to be: Contrary to the common advice we often hear telling us ‘not to worry’, a positive approach for managing anxiety involves intentionally allowing ourselves to explore these worries and letting the worry run its course. Ask yourself: ↳What am I thinking about right now? ↳On a scale of 1-10, how stressful do I feel? ↳Explore the worst-case and best-case scenarios and their probability. 2. Reframe your thoughts: Once you have identified these negative thoughts, try transforming them into more positive or constructive ones. E.g. ‘I will never be good at this’ to ‘This may be challenging now, but with practice, I can improve my skills over time.’ 3. Lean on problem-solving: Apply a problem-solving approach once you've identified and reframed negative thoughts. 1. Identify the Concern: ‘What's the specific concern that's causing anxiety?’ 2. Ask the Right Questions and focus on what’s helpful rather than what is right or wrong: Instead of dwelling on the worst-case scenario, redirect your focus. E.g. ‘What aspects of this situation are within my control?, is this thought helping me get what I want?’ 3. Set Realistic Goals: E.g. If you're anxious about an upcoming presentation, dedicate specific time to preparation. 4. Consider the Variables: Determine which variables you can influence and take action. E.g. You can’t control your manager’s mood, but you can plan to leave home early to avoid peak traffic. PS: Approach your feelings with kindness and curiosity. Image Credit: 6seconds.org

Have you ever noticed how a single piece of criticism can linger in your mind longer than a dozen compliments? This phenomenon, known as the "negativity bias," is an evolutionary survival mechanism deeply embedded in our brains. It made sense for our ancestors who needed to stay alert to dangers, but in our modern era, it often causes us to dwell unnecessarily on negative experiences. This bias influences more than just personal feelings; it can impact our professional decisions and relationships as well. By understanding that our brains are predisposed to focus on the negative, we can start to retrain ourselves to also see the positive. Recognizing this can lead to a significant shift in how we process daily interactions and setbacks, leading to a healthier, more balanced perspective. The real challenge is to transform our awareness of this bias into action. When faced with criticism, try to balance it with positive affirmations. For every negative comment, remind yourself of two positive achievements. Share your successes and positive experiences openly; this not only helps to counterbalance your own biases but also encourages others to focus on their positives, fostering a supportive and resilient network. Additionally, nurturing a workplace culture that values constructive feedback over criticism can help in reducing the impacts of negativity bias. Encouraging open communication and celebrating small wins are practices that can enhance team morale and overall productivity. But how do we embed this into our daily routine? Start with small, manageable changes: - Begin meetings with positive updates from each team member. - Keep a gratitude journal to note daily successes or things you are thankful for. - Set reminders to recognize and appreciate others' efforts regularly. Over time, these practices can help shift the focus from what's going wrong to what's going right, enhancing not just individual well-being but also contributing to a more positive organizational climate. In summary, while our brains may be wired to prioritize the negative, we have the power to change this narrative. By fostering a culture that balances critical insights with positive reinforcement, we can enhance our personal well-being and drive our teams towards greater success. Let’s continue to challenge ourselves to focus on the positive, embracing a more balanced view that can lead to a more fulfilling personal and professional life. #leadership #culture

Do you believe in connection over curriculum? then here’s a list of ten simple, heartfelt, and holistic ways to show children that you care in your classroom: - Acknowledge them as soon as they enter: Greet each child with a warm smile or a kind word to let them know they are seen and valued. - Listen when they want to tell you something: Give them your full attention and don’t interrupt until they’ve finished speaking. - Involve them in decision-making: Their ideas are valid and worth considering, so include them in classroom choices. - Celebrate their efforts, not just their achievements: Recognise the hard work and dedication they put into tasks, no matter the outcome. - Show interest in their lives outside of school: Ask about their hobbies, family, or things they enjoy doing, and remember to follow up. - Create a safe space for their emotions: Let them know it’s okay to express their feelings and that you’re there to support them, whether they’re happy, sad, or anything in between. - Personalise your interactions: Use their names often and remember small details about them, like their favourite colour or what they’re excited about. - Share stories of your own experiences: Let them see that you’re human too, with your own challenges and joys. This creates a bond of mutual understanding. - Encourage peer support and kindness: Foster a classroom culture where children look out for one another and celebrate each other’s successes. - Be patient and understanding: Show them that it’s okay to make mistakes and that you’re there to guide them through challenges with compassion. Academic achievements and raising the bar of education often begin with the connections we build with those in our care. When the connection is strong, learning naturally follows. #education #school #teacher #teaching #school #montessori

Work can empower you—or it can erode your self-esteem. Some of my #coaching clients struggle with impostor syndrome and/or the self-doubt that can arise from the lack of recognition that prevails in some workplaces. If you face this challenge, read on. To stay confident in challenging professional environments, shift from seeking validation from others to nurturing your internal self-worth. Here are some tips for doing so from Dina Denham Smith.   🤔 Normalize insecurity. Doubting yourself isn’t a flaw; it’s often a rational response to unclear expectations, bias, or workplace pressures. Instead of criticizing your insecurities, acknowledge them as natural and reframe your self-talk to focus on your commitment to growth.   💪 Focus on your strengths. Redirect energy from fixing weaknesses to amplifying strengths. Identify your natural talents by seeking feedback from trusted colleagues and keeping a file of your wins and positive attributes. Review it when self-doubt creeps in.   🎯 Redefine #success. Move beyond societal and workplace metrics. Define success on your terms, balancing professional and personal goals that reflect your values. This ensures your achievements align with what truly matters to you.   🫶 Audit your relationships. Surround yourself with colleagues who uplift and inspire you. Minimize interactions with those who drain your energy or undermine your confidence. Supportive connections are vital for #resilience and well-being.

After 6 years in professional development, I've realised: We spend the first half of our career learning the "rules" or industry "norms". The second half is spent challenging them. Imagine if we never went against the grain. Some (extreme) examples: 💡Reflection is a waste of time 💡Self-awareness doesn't impact decision-making 💡Personal growth happens naturally without effort 💡Strengths and weaknesses are fixed traits 💡Goals don't influence professional development And while none of these are perfectly resolved, there's a shift that happens through constant evangelism by people brave enough to challenge the status quo. Not everyone is going to like it. Not everyone will agree with you. It's noisy. It might cost you some things. But you do it nonetheless because you can't shake your gut that things need to be different or better. For professional development, those are: 👍🏻Embracing regular moments of reflection 👍🏻Enhancing self-awareness for better decision-making 👍🏻Actively identifying strengths and improvement areas 👍🏻Aligning actions with personal and professional goals 👍🏻Fostering a continuous growth mindset 👍🏻Challenging conventional wisdom in your field 👍🏻Seeking feedback and acting on it 👍🏻Investing in personal development consistently 👍🏻Balancing work and life for holistic growth Do you agree? ✅ Reflection leads to better decision-making and personal development. ❌ Avoiding self-reflection is the best way. Many professionals think constant action is always productive. But that's not true most of the time... When you neglect reflection, your self-awareness decreases, making growth stagnate and opportunities slip away. You end up feeling stuck in your career. Professional development gets harder as you lose direction, and you need external motivation constantly. What I say to do: Make time for regular self-reflection. You can get significant professional growth from intentional introspection. Set aside quiet time just for yourself. Ask yourself tough questions about your goals. Increased self-awareness means you're more aligned with your objectives and can make better decisions, before taking action. Don't try to avoid self-reflection. Start by scheduling reflection time, be honest with yourself, THEN act on your insights. A month end catch up with 8 amazing individuals with #bbtfrens #brandbuildertalents. Thanks for making time for this. Great to see everyone. I am Brent your branding strategist. Happy Sunday everyone. LinkedIn News Asia

Honesty and directness are two of the most valuable traits in any workplace, yet I feel we are losing them...or losing the skill behind them. While many people are avoiding directness for fear of causing discomfort, others dive into “telling it like it is” without the tact and empathy that make honest feedback constructive. Somewhere along the line, these important qualities got tangled up with conflict or insensitivity, making many people shy away from direct feedback or honest opinions. It's important to recognize that: 💡 People often seek reassurance or pity, but what they often need most is honesty and directness. ⚠️ And if we don't recognize this and we lose honesty and directness, we lose the foundation for trust and growth. ⚡ Empathy and kindness are crucial at work, but they shouldn’t come at the expense of clarity and truth. We need to show people we value them by delivering the truth with empathy and respect. When we do this, we also impact efficiency. Instead of tiptoeing around issues, we can address them, find solutions, and move forward. Problems that might have lingered for months can be addressed in a single, honest conversation. There is no need to choose between being direct and being empathetic! It’s about combining the two thoughtfully. ✔️ Take a moment to notice your own emotion and consider how your words and tone will be received ✔️ Be conscious of tact, timing and empathy ✔️ Be specific and constructive..."I've noticed (specific issue) and I'd like to chat about what we can do about it" ✔️ Focus on the issue not the person ✔️ Encourage people to give YOU constructive feedback...and highlight that it goes both ways ✔️ Stick to facts, not opinions. And be clear on the impact before seeking solutions. Change starts with LEADERS! Research from Edelman’s Trust Barometer shows that transparency and honesty are top drivers of trust in leadership, with 84% of respondents saying that open and honest communication from leaders builds trust. We are all leaders in some respect so we can all ask ourselves...am I being direct and honest enough with the people around me? The people I care about? ❓ What are your thoughts on the topic ❓ How can leaders strike the right balance between honesty and empathy to build a culture of trust ❓ What’s one approach that’s worked well for you ❓ Leave your comments below 🙏 #trust #respect #openness #honesty #leadership #teamwork

Early in my career, I faced a moment many of us dread: A sudden, unexpected company reorganization. It seemed like overnight ➟ my role ➟ my team ➟ my daily tasks were all up in the air. I remember the anxiety. The flurry of rumors. The uncertainty. They clouded my thoughts about the future. But it was in this chaos that I found clarity. I realized that change, though daunting, also brings opportunities for growth. I wrote an article on this for Harvard Business Review. Here are 5 actions you can take when your professional life is unpredictable: 1. Embrace the Uncertainty Use periods of change as a catalyst for introspection. Reflect on what truly matters to you and your future. 2. Define Your Identity Think about who you need to be... Not just what you need to do. 3. Focus on the Process Establish and commit to positive career behaviors. It gives you a sense of control and leads to results. Examples: • Contribute in each team meeting • Expand your network every week  • Offer a strategic idea to leadership monthly • Take on a stretch opportunity once a quarter • Thank a coworker for something helpful every day 4. Cultivate Learning Agility Be ready to adapt. Stay curious. Embrace new ideas. This mindset isn't just to survive; it helps you thrive. 5. Ask for and Act on Feedback Regularly seek feedback. Take time to reflect on it. It's crucial to know where you're growing. And where you need to improve. Change can be scary. But it's also a chance to reset. To pivot. You may discover new paths you hadn't noticed before. Remember... It's not the strongest or most intelligent who survive. It's those who can best manage change. Lean into the uncertainty. Use it as a stepping stone. Build a career that's not just successful, but also aligned with who you truly are. Find this valuable? Repost ♻️ to share with others.  Thank you! P.S. What keeps you going when things get uncertain?