Did you know that joy is a practice? Business consultant Martha Lynn Mangum takes us through some ideas for intentional joyful practice to improve your health and performance.

We have come to the conclusion that Purpose isn't a sweet little "nice to have." It's a necessity. In life and in business. Where there is purpose, there is drive. Where there is drive, there is the everlasting climb to better business, better lives, and a better world.

This is a common situation in pretty much every organization we have worked within. In our work with executives, we routinely coach them to take the time to check in with their people, and see what they are doing, so they have greater opportunity to acknowledge or appreciate their teams or employees. We find acknowledgement is one of the most powerful and impactful things a leader can do to encourage engagement and higher performance.

When we don’t have permission to be honest about how tough life can be because it’s not "appropriate for the workplace," we end up limiting our own productivity and performance in the work place.

Here’s what I discovered…When I focus on the solution, I feel empowered, productive, and energized. When I feel empowered, productive, and energized, I have even more space to create solutions.

This organizational fundamental about learning something new is not just about getting new knowledge, but it’s about the mindset that allows for learning. Part of it says "Challenge yourself to take risks outside your comfort zone .... "

The lack of trust between and among management, staff and customers/clients can lead to:

• High employee turnover

• Low engagement and productivity

• Reduced innovation

• Reduced profitability

In relationships at work or at home, remember that assumptions remain in your own mind. Explicit requests are spoken or written in detail. And most people will rise to the occasion if you give them the requirements and expectations.

In 2021, we may start thinking deeper thoughts about what exactly we want to promise... because we want to live up to what we are promising, never disappoint the customer, and be realistic with what kind of service we can provide.

If you’re not getting what you want, start paying attention to what you are asking for. The good news is, it’s up to you. 

We like to think we are open to fresh thinking, but are we really? And what cost do we pay? Can we really listen to another, if what they think violates our own beliefs, especially when the judgments start piling up?

Recently, I have noticed one area of accountability that is lacking in the world. And that is holding ourselves and others accountable for the positive impact we create. While there is great value in being accountable for breakdowns, I believe that it is even more important to give credit for what is working.

Are we willing to have the courage to shift our commitments to a greater outcome or cause when we recognize how imperative it would be to change course? Are we accountable enough to communicate to the people that are impacted by our change in plans?

Using fun to relieve tension or shift a conversation is a powerful leadership tactic you can use with yourself, family, friends, colleagues.

WE, not they, are accountable for what others take away from our communication.

Being of service to others includes all aspects and all areas of our lives. It is not just something we do to "check the box" on being a good person. If we’re paying attention, there is an opportunity for service to become a part of who we are each and every day.

As we go into 2021, if we have already figured this out, it won't be such a 'PIVOT' moving forward. If we remember that our customer holds a special relationship to us, and believes in something we show up for, we will be the ones winning in business.

Our whole worldview is shaped by this life-long linear series of learning experiences, as is the reality we live in and think in.  We have now established a whole set of beliefs about how the world is, how people are, and most importantly, how we are.  Our behaviors will follow this structure of a belief-based reality, guided by an internal mental dialogue, advising us on how to respond to our minute by minute interactions with the world.

The most efficient way to accelerate our human performance is to be 100% true to ourselves and those we interact with. When we tell the truth, we align with ourselves and can be sure we are utilizing our best ability for the task or discussion at hand.