Last few days have been about sanitization, washing hands, cleaning and social distancing. Sanitizers, soaps, tissues are finding new meanings in our lives. As I exercise precautions and practice quarantine for self and family, I noticed that my dustpan has collected so much grime! Don’t judge me 🙂
Well, you would say, big deal! That is what they are supposed to do. However, this was a tad too dirty and I decided to clean it (with the cleanliness paranoia that has engulfed me).
I noticed the story it told me…and here it goes:
1.
You have neglected me: Ever since you bought me you have outsourced me to someone else and never bothered to even look at me. The neglect has been so huge that I am unable to function properly. You never even bothered to see where in the house I am kept.
Human nature often is to possess and then forget. Often it is about the next mountain to climb on. Pausing and reflecting is a passé because who has the time? Our health, family, close relationships face a burnout since we think we ‘possess’ them. At an individual level, after acquiring a skill or a certification, we use it more in our profiles/social media than in life. Do we really invest in them further? Refer ‘sharpening the saw’ – habit 7 from Stephen Covey.
Similarly, possessing a talent to sing, paint, dance that resides neglected like the ‘dustpan’ never being polished or honed. In the business of our personal and professional life and all the good things around, we might have forgotten it completely. Notice it, call it out…
- What are you neglecting?
- What did you give up as a hobby in race of the corporate ladder or survival?
- What have you outsourced?
2.
You noticed and cleaned me today: I am still jumping with excitement that you not only noticed me but cleaned me as well. You spend time finding me, I was upset that you did not know that where I am kept. You not only found me but also cleaned me!
This is the “aha” moment – when you find your strength and start working on it. I often see this in my coaching interactions when coaches are surprised to find their way on their own. Creating your own path in an almost magical way. That is truly your own self-created path.
- What are you noticing today?
- Are you slowing down to acknowledge what you already have in life?
- Are you truly cleansing yourself – your thoughts, emotions and hence your behavior?
3.
You provided me a new lease of life: You have put me out in the balcony to dry today and I am elated. I am going to serve you longer and collect even the smallest particle of dust that comes my way with more enthusiasm than ever before. Your investment in me will not go waste.
Take this time to re-look at things around you. Not just literally the objects outside but your own strengths, emotions that impact you. The time that you spend watching and tracking social media can be diverted to reflections that can enrich you meaningfully.
As a leader in your organisation, look at who might need the ‘investment’ that has not been provided due to paucity of time, or been pushed out for the ‘next big deal’. Identify and spend time to see what you can do to help. It will not only lend you energy but enable your teams to be infused with enthusiasm and work with you during this crisis and beyond.
- Who and what are you investing in?
- Are you slowing down to choose and decide where to focus?
As Maya Agnelou says – “nothing can dim the light that shines from within”. Take time to find your own light.
4. You made me feel included: Today, I feel a part of this household again. Else I felt like an object that was to be kept away and hidden. Though I did the most important function of cleaning the house. I felt I not being treated well. Thank you for including me!
People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you make them feel. Maya Angelou
Inclusion is a huge issue today. Let alone the categories of gender, race, ethnicity, we categorize tasks as well. As you slow down, go slow on your biases too – no task is big or small. Be inclusive in your approach and look at your support staff as humans who are impacted as well.
Write to me about your experiences as you quarantine. If you have any reflections on the above, DM me. You can reach me at connect@thetalentalchemy.com
