What are your "red threads"?
I logged onto a webinar with Marcus Buckingham recently, and he was talking about his new book Love + Work. The premise, which shouldn't surprise us, is that employees won't stay at jobs they don't love. And if we're in a position, as business owners or leaders, to create conditions where our teams are more likely to love their work, there's no higher calling. Time is of the essence--I'm hearing many stories of employees leaving for work and organizations who hold more promise of fulfillment, connection, and purpose.
One way to evaluate how much love is present in our work is to look for what Marcus calls "red threads"--those tasks or moments where we're operating at our best, those times we feel happy or successful or seen. If we think of our workday as a tapestry, we should be able to see at least 20% red threads. If the percentage is lower than that, we will be unhappy at work, and probably in many other areas of our lives.
My work is FULL of red threads. I'd put them around 80% most days. That's because I get to help you, clients or potential clients, find YOUR red threads! Or create changes that make your team, organization, or personal tapestry brighter. I'm thankful every day to hear things like:
- You provided the kind of environment that helped our team heal
- You made us feel like our work really mattered
- Morale around here was really low, but it's clear things are looking up
- When I talk to you, I feel like I can better access my own inner wisdom
What are your red threads? Or how are you helping make the tapestries of your teammates, employees, or community members brighter? Reach out if your tapestry is a bit duller than you'd like it to be.
P.S. My new assistant Robin (see below) is adding a ton of red threads to my days lately. How wonderful!
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Welcome to my assistant Robin!
Robin Meyer is a longtime Bellingham resident who, after graduating from Western Washington University, dove headfirst into social work. She served youth in a variety of settings, always getting a hoot from their humor, grit, and often fearless way of challenging the status quo. In addition to working for another local business, Robin spends as much time as possible in nature. Say hello if you see her on the trails around town!
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Join me for my next book club!
(April 27 at 7pm)
Why a book club? I've been part of a few wonderful book clubs in my life, but I was always the too-serious one who left feeling disappointed we didn't actually talk about the book. So this is my chance to be nerdy! And to learn in community.
My next (virtual) book club is on Johan Hari's Stolen Focus. I have been quoting this book like crazy--most of us really need to be examining where we are putting our attention these days. Distracted people can't focus on the big things, like climate change or making the world a more equitable place. And we will also be unhappier, more disconnected from those around us. Discussion limited to 10 people, and we will log off around 8:15. You can sign up here.
P.S. If you're more of an auditory learner or you don't have much time, listen to a podcast instead! I like this interview with Ezra Klein. This would give you plenty of material to take part in a discussion.
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What I'm reading, writing, or into lately
- A little appreciative exercise you can do with your team
- A poem about visiting my son at college
- James Crew's new poetry anthology. Love.
- A new Enneagram book that's great for both beginners and longtime learners (watch for my Enneagram workshop series coming in the Fall!)
- My colleague Emily will be teaching a virtual workshop on forgiveness. Wow. Probably required learning for all of us. You can register here.
- Emily's also leading a virtual book discussion on Resmaa Menakem's My Grandmother's Hands. If you're on a journey of racial awareness and healing, this is for you. You can learn more and register here.
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