The Leadership Blog by Ann Vanino

How do you create a team? It is an art that requires attention, understanding people, focus and clarity on the team‚s goals. When I create a team or help someone else do so, I start with what I have – people, tasks, resources and vision. I communicate my vision to the team. I ask for their input. I look at what is needed from each person on the team and if they have the skills to meet our goals. I look at the resources I have to get the job done. Then, I fit what I have into my vision for the team, identifying any gaps and deciding how to fill them. It’s a dance and requires constant analysis and movement until the team is formed and functioning.

I spoke to several people today who were overwhelmed with work. Their stress was palpable. Some were keeping their head down and focusing, but were not open to dealing with how they were feeling. Others were irritable and some were strained. Some were keeping their sense of humor and were aware of what was happening. When overwhelm occurs, the worst thing you can do is ignore it. It’s present and it is affecting you. When I reach overwhelm, I take a minute and I stop. I assess what’s happening and regroup. That way, I take control and can deal with it. Overwhelm doesn’t get the better of me for too long.

You have choice in everything that happens to you. Of course, you may not control the occurrence of all situations or events in your life, but you do have choice in how you handle them. Proactive choice lets you guide the direction of your life. Acknowledging that you have choice in every situation is an important element of personal power and self-esteem. Your choices create your life.

Many times people allow choices to be made for them. Choices can be made by default. If you procrastinate, for example, a choice may be made without your input. If you feel you have no power in a situation, you may block your ability to choose. If you fear the results of a specific choice, you may not make the choice that is in your heart. If you have given another person power over your life, they may feel the right to make choices for you.

Acknowledging your power of choice will make your life better. You will navigate the direction of your life. Choice will set you free!

EXERCISE

• Think of one situation where you are allowing or have allowed someone else to make a choice for you. Identify one thing you can do to take back your power of choice.

• Make one choice this week that serves your best interest.

In her book, Success Within, Lisa Wysocky writes “Know that every mistake offers some kind of learning experience.”