What Happened When I Got My Surprise Party!
I’m reminded of a major victory in my life. I almost missed the grand high point but the celebratory lights went on and there were so many cheering me on. I had waited for this crazy moment of good success and suddenly it was here. I can definitely remember the long production nights and dizzying daily tasks, being so focused on those responsibilities that the hours moved in chunks of time.
Ooh, the Tension.
I remember the tension-filled weeks leading up to the major event when I released my children reluctantly into my husband’s arm. I had to do an about-face and get ready to serve my cake and eat it too!
How Did I Manage it?
Managing a high-profile project can seem overwhelming. When your team is supporting you to seize the work chaos and provide the resolutions you were championed for, here’s the BEST WAY TO DELIVER a good experience for everyone invited to the party:
1. Your victory may seem like an overwhelming goal to reach but if you take good notes, observe social dynamics and have dedicated listening sessions with your career coach or mentor – You will achieve any critical assignment + make the designated project the most significant defining moment in your career.
2. Be ready when you hear your coach’s voice (figuratively or literally!). The words you see or visualize will set the charge and appropriate directive in motion.
3. It may feel like a rolling wave, but your confidence will rise throughout this opportunity to take the lead on the weighty project. Embrace the new and different voice that is becoming your own.
4. If you’re taking my coaching advice and practicing stillness time every morning (that’s right; those 15-20 minutes to be silent and hear your faithful inner voice..). the truer victory will be realizing you have a unique identity+ purpose. This is when you’ll know you’ve moved from student to teacher. Surprise!
5. Coaches and mentors can pour an immense amount of knowledge into your life. Your transition to leadership can move along for many years, and be very productive but you must use the valuable time to re-skill; up-skill in your craft; and stay very relationship-focused. At any moment (surprise!) you can suddenly hear “it’s your time”.
6. I don’t doubt you may feel stunned by this surprise promotion, but when it comes and the lights turn on - for the next stage of your career - quickly gather yourself. It’s time to wisely plan your project schedule + timeline. Use well thought-out communication, emotional intelligence + time management skills to make the excellent staffing + collaborative decisions to steer the team ship.
7. Your leadership decisions should be firm but fluid + agile for unexpected turns. You should be prepared to produce + lead any crisis management plans. The choices you’ll make may come quick, and although a pause to reflect may be possible depending on your day’s work load, the ripples of staff will be waiting on you to decide the fate of the next series of team activities and ultimately the event’s success. The buck stops with you!
8. It is vital you have a leaders’ circle that trusts + supports you, as they attentively watch your instructional gestures. It’s not an unusual tactic to fiddle with your phone praying for a solid answer - and then it comes! You are ready for this role, so the solutions will come… When approving a major project decision, weigh the answer internally first (in your mind + heart), then weigh it among your wise leadership council. The ones you’ve trusted to get it done so many times before…
9. Decisions will flow and adjustments will be made. Perform those actions with a calm demeanor to brighten your team’s outlook + their soul. Keep the high-performing team’s vision focused + settled.
10. When the project is nearing its end + the finish line is within your view, share your appreciation + gratitude with your team, stakeholders, customers, and family. Inwardly salute your coach for a series of trainings well executed. The major victory seemed sudden. Some balloons popped, but so did the cork. Your commitment to preparation made your journey victorious. You deserve it!
Living Life graciously surprised Today!
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