I find few places more pleasant and restful than sitting in a rocking chair on my front porch. While slowly rocking back and forth, it’s easy to forget— even if it is for just a few minutes— that we live in difficult times.
The bad news from the world of business, finance and civics fills the communication pipelines. The U.S. unemployment rate is at 8.5% — 5 million people are unemployed; personal bankruptcy is at an all-time high; business and personal loans are hard to acquire; carnage and chaos are daily reminders that people keep killing innocent people. While this is a current picture of America, it is also a snapshot of the world; countries and people all over the globe are experiencing troubles.
But, good can come out of this. It often takes a crisis to force us to think. Against this bleak backdrop of failure and suffering is the idea that mankind’s mind will resolve these problems. Of all things created, only men and women can think and thereby create. Mankind alone has “ah ha” or “eureka” moments. And, it is our creative ideas—not one idea, but many ideas that will provide the true stimulus package to reignite our careers, our businesses, and our world.
Rocking back and forth in my rocker, I am aware of the sounds and sights around me. If I intently listen, I hear more than the honking of the sand cranes flying overhead. I also hear an owl in the distance and the singing of several robins in the magnolia tree in my front yard.
Focusing on the landscape in front of me, I see some new growth on the palm tree in my neighbor’s yard and a new car in another neighbor’s driveway. Yes, by focusing I become more aware or more perceptive of my situation and environment. But while I have more knowledge of what is happening around me, I do nothing with this awareness.
For my awareness to be useful, I must transform it from an observation word to a word of engagement. This new definition of “awareness” derives from an archaic root meaning watchful or wary. The ancient business use of awareness means people are to be on guard or cautious about getting involved or caught up in things outside their job description or their department or their team. This new definition of “awareness” means that difference makers are to be more than observant, more than informed and more than awake to opportunities to multiply their effectiveness and influence; they must act on what they observe.
If you are looking for some creative ways to use awareness as a word of engagement rather than an observation technique, consider using this list as awareness motivators.
1. I am finalizing a project report for my team, but I also have an associate in another department that could benefit from the content, I am aware and copy her.
2. I know that virtually everything accomplished by a team is done with the help of the members. I am aware and let each member of my team know how important his or her role is to the success of the team.
3. I am making a trip to the local hardware store, but I remember I need to have a prescription filled and will be passing by the pharmacy. I am aware and make two stops saving time and gasoline while avoiding the second trip later.
4. I notice a co-worker seems depressed. I am aware and speak a word of encouragement. The co-worker feels better and so do I.
5. I receive an email at work requesting information, but the email should have gone to another associate. Rather than replying to the sender and telling them they need to send their request to someone else, I am aware and forward the email to the correct person saving time for all concerned.
6. I read a good book and I am aware of someone else who would enjoy the book, I email or phone them and recommend the book. Or, better send them a copy.
7. I help a customer or client solve a problem and I am aware that other customers and clients have a similar problem; therefore I share this solution. (I am also aware not to reveal confidential information).
Front porch rocking-chair logic suggests that the current bad news may get worse before it gets better. While the economy is looking for a bottom, innovative people and companies are looking for their own stimulus package—a package of creative ideas that reinvent the way we do things.
It is human nature to be skeptical of innovation and change and try to ride things out. But standing on the sidelines is a very unforgiving activity. “Status quo” is not a part of an innovation machine. It is my opinion that the leaders who emerge from today’s difficult times will be the people and organizations that focused on awareness and timely execution.
HOG THOUGHT: Ideas keep us looking to the future and expanding our possibilities. Execution is the seismic action that enables a person to take advantage of the future, today. Think about using awareness as a creative advantage in your daily life.
HOG QUOTE: “Let us not look back in anger or forward in fear, but around in awareness.” —James Thurber
HOG ACTION: Awareness shows how a small idea can become a big innovation. Be ever watchful and look for opportunities to help yourself, your organization, and someone else.
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