The other way

A few weeks ago, I went hiking again on the Grand Saint Bernard; one of the most beautiful alpine passes in Switzerland.

This time I changed an important parameter: I took the train and the bus instead of the car. Although I've been there several times by car, this time the experience was different. For instance, we drove through a pretty village that you usually miss. I also finished the hike at a different place than at the beginning. And so on.

My point is this: we see other things, act differently and produce different results if we simply change the routes and means.

In many companies, I see too many routines far too fixed. The same results are produced over and over again. Just average. Outstanding things rarely happen when everything happens the same way each time.

Here are three simple ideas to push your team or the whole company out of the habitual track:

1. Habits. I've suggested it more than once: do something different every day. Examples: Take another route or other means of transport. Come and go at different times. Answer the phone differently. Greet your colleagues differently. You certainly have more ideas.
2. Meetings. There are countless possibilities to do something different (and usually better) with meetings. Examples: Cut the duration in half. Always set clear goals. Reverse the normal agenda and start with the last item first. Important: Change something, even if you are not sure it will work.
3. Standards. Most people believe the way they are is fixed. My suggestion: Why don't you set yourself a much higher standard for yourself once a week? Examples: In conversations listen 100% actively. Always be present with others. Come to all meetings on time and prepared. Do not postpone unpleasant but important tasks. I recommend that you make a list and then set one focus per week or month.

Yes, I know it is often difficult to put such ideas into practice. Fortunately, there is coaching for this. If you are interested, you can find more information here.