During a recent walk at the park, I saw this bird giving everything it had, flapping its wings with determination but not getting anywhere. The wind was too strong, and the poor bird was stuck in an invisible battle. Then, with a slight shift, the bird changed direction, and whoosh! It shot off like a rocket and snatched its prey with precision!
There are days when I find myself completely relating to that bird.
You have a plan, but somehow, you keep finding yourself diverted. You’re on your way to a meeting, and suddenly, a teacher stops you in the hallway with a barrage of questions. You're having a heart-to-heart with a teacher about a parent's concern, and before you know it, they're in tears, asking for your advice. Even a quick bathroom break turns into an impromptu conference when another teacher catches you at the door. It’s like the terrain is constantly shifting, and you can't seem to achieve your plan.
You are drawn into everyone’s schedule but yours! Think about movies; they cast us in one of three roles: the victim, who feels powerless and overwhelmed; the villain, who blames everyone else; and the hero, who thinks only they can save the day.
But here’s the kicker: nothing changes if we keep playing these roles! Everyone stays stuck in their role, and we keep battling the same old conflicts.
Consider this: a simple change in your response can make a monumental difference, just like the bird changing direction mid-flight. This change has the potential to not only lead to personal growth but also foster team development.
Imagine the possibilities that lie ahead: a future where your responses to challenges are not just reactions but strategic moves that propel you forward!
What do you sound like (inside your head or out loud) when you are playing the victim role? Villain role? Hero role?
How does assuming this role affect your ability to address conflicts or challenges effectively?
What triggers you to adopt a particular role (victim, villain, hero)? Are there patterns or specific circumstances that tend to bring out these responses?
In what ways can you cultivate a mindset that allows for flexibility and adaptation, similar to a bird changing direction mid-flight?
“Response-ability is the ABILITY to choose our response to any circumstance or condition."
- Stephen R. Covey
In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it's all too easy to find yourself trapped in the drama story of victim, villain or hero, where problems seem to recycle endlessly. However, while you can't control how others bring their issues to you, you can master your response to avoid being caught in the drama.
Consider this transformative approach: shift your focus from simple reaction to mindful creation. By approaching situations with curiosity, you invite your team to explore possibilities, sparking innovative thinking.
When you embrace your creator mode, you can step back and see the bigger picture. This gives you the confidence to lead and guide your team toward the best solutions. You create a space where success is a team effort.
Your shift from reactive to creative thinking transforms how you handle daily challenges and inspires those around you to grow and thrive. By stepping back, you ignite a spark of creativity and resilience in your team, paving the way for their growth.
Awareness
What steps can you take to empower yourself and others to move beyond fixed roles and embrace more constructive approaches to problem-solving?
Create Response
Curiosity
“The middle is messy, but it's also where all the magic happens, all the tension that creates goodness and learning."
- Brene Brown