EPISODE 20 (50) SPACE MAKER - giving other people the room they need to function well

According to Andrew, in this week's Podcast, over 60% of calls and meetings at work tend to be unscheduled or begin in unpredictable ways.

You may not even realise that you are under excessive pressure. But the signs will almost certainly be there, such as unexpected colds, minor illnesses or perhaps severe infections.

These can all damage your effectiveness. What is missing?

It's deliberately making time and space for yourself and including others at work. You know something is not correct when people at work say things like:

• "I need space to think that over."
• "Too pushed right now to make this decision."
• "Now's not the right time to deal with this."

Take such boundary warnings seriously, urges Andrew.

Those who need space could be your allies if you let them. Let them realise that you get the picture and calmly respond to their warning signs. For example, saying, "OK, I see now's not a good time; let's talk later."

Once you're on the lookout for these signs, use this awareness to help colleagues think through things by offering help and support.

It would help if you looked after yourself too, by making your own space and giving
yourself time to think.

Your thinking is not abstract rumination. Instead, it needs to be focused on what is happening to you and what should be the next steps.

For example, you might need to walk away from work for a few hours or even
days. 

Or you might realise that you are battling on alone and would benefit from some help from your team or a supervisor.

The main takeaway from today's Podcast says Andrew is that there are
increasing demands on all employees for flexibility and readiness to change.

These make it essential to respect your and others' needs for space and time to think.

All 50 Ways podcasts end with three actions you can take today to do better.

Can't wait for Series 2 to run its course? Then buy Andrew's new book, published on Amazon, and there's also an Audio version.

Further reading and videos: Andrew recommends some useful follow-through material which you can find for each episode at

www.myhappinessatwork.com/reading/categories/research-reading

and

www.myhappinessatwork.com/watch.

BOOK:
The 50 Ways to Succeed at Work book is a standalone companion to Andrew Leigh's weekly podcasts.
It's an essential resource for all job starters and those at work for a few years.
Dip in and out and take what seems helpful.

www.myhappinessatwork.com/book