Let them help

When it comes to motivation and someone shows an interest in what you are doing, let them help.

In the workplace you will get far more achieved if you don't mind who gets the credit for the work that has been done. Of course, this should not come as detriment to the job these people should be doing, but in general terms - an observer can see more about your job and what you are trying to achieve than those people who are so blinkered by working "in the business" day in and day out. If you take your ego out of the equation and accept that perhaps the way you've always done things may not be the way to continue doing something - you and your organisation will grow in leaps and bounds. Don't be the person who says "but we don't do things like that round here". Believe me when I say it's a pretty big damp squib on a person's enthusiasm if you do that on a regular basis.

If you think about it, that's why we ask consultants and outside mentors to help us. We accept that we don't know all the answers, or we may need clarification that the way we are doing something is right - but if you don't accept and don't ask, then you won't know and you won't grow.

And it is the same with personal development - accept that we don't always know all the answers - and find the people who have the next set of numbers for our personal combination locks - you know the lock that when the numbers are programmed into it - we get that absolute "ah-ha" moment. Where do you find these people? Like I said, it could be the people you work with, the new graduates, the guy (or gal) who's been with the organisation for a dozen or so years. It may be the consultant, the mentor or the training course you get sent on. But it can quite as easily be a book or article you read, a video or film that you watch or piece of music where you listen to the lyrics for the very first time. Everything and every one can be a teacher - if you are willing to accept you don't know everything there is to know about everything. Granted you may be the "go to" person for answers - but I am agreat believer in the fact that

There is always something new to learn.

But it doesn't stop at the work place.

Your children learn by example, and what better example than seeing you do something and be successful at it. Let the kids help wrapping presents, writing christmas cards, building a successful business, keeping healthy by exercising regularly, cooking dinner. It makes life a whole lot more interesting for the child, and one thing I have known as I have raised my two teenagers:

1. You cannot deal in double standards ever (and to be honest this goes for any relationship - be it work or family). Your children will see you doing something and think it is good for them to do it too. Which is why (for example) parents who are overweight or who smoke, will have children who tend to be overweight and smoke. Don't believe me, then a quick walk around your local supermarket will bear at least one of those points out.

2. You get better understanding and buy-in from them if they have a stake in the outcome. In simple terms, would a child be more likely to eat salad and veggies if they can touch it, cut it and taste it? They will want dinner to taste fantastic, so will follow your lead and example in creating their dinner. Don't ever turn down an offer of help from a child, let them learn, let them grow, let them expand the way they think and behave - and they do that by emulation...that is - what are they seeing you do?

3. You learn more by teaching, than you do by just "doing it all yourself"

One final thought as I leave you to go about your day

What was the last thing you learnt? When was the last time you had that "ah-ha" moment - what brought it about? and the follow up question - can you recreate it so you can generate more "ah-ah" growth moments?