New Habits in Four Phrases

Several years ago, I was a part of a meeting which had a “repeat after me” session. It went something like this: Please repeat after me the following four phrases:

1. “I am so sorry”

This is so important because we all mess up. My very first boss told me, “if you don’t mess up every now and then – you’re not working hard enough. Just make sure you always make NEW mistakes!” This was very good advice. He added, “When you do mess up – ALWAYS admit it and learn from it. You will earn respect.” These are still wise nuggets of advice that we can apply today!

2. “Will you help me?”

The best decisions are almost always made by collaboration. Unfortunately, we tend to want to make decisions ourselves, unilaterally, without involving some of our team members. We tend to think it is a sign of weakness to ask for help. In fact, it’s a sign of confidence in ourselves and trust in others. Give it a try. You might be surprised at how a little more collaborating and communicating will energize others and help give them a feeling of connection and value. In addition, when our decisions and/or actions are collaborative, everyone owns it and works hard to make it work.

3. “I am an idiot”

A real sign of being “comfortable in our own skin” is developing the habit of not taking ourselves too seriously. Certainly there are times we need to combine this one with #1 above! Other times, we just need to remind other people that we never intend to come across like the “smartest person in the room.” That’s always a good time to remind them about the idiot thing. By the way – they already know it – but they really appreciate that we do too!!

4. “Thank you very much”

This is perhaps the greatest vaccine; an antiseptic that works against all potential personal and organizational infection. Simply put; our heartfelt thanks.

• This practice can be TRANSFORMATIONAL — Put these words to the test and experience the difference it makes!
• It must be INTENTIONAL — We must not forget when we have the opportunity to lift others up.
• It must be EXPRESSED — A smiling “thank you very much for making that happen” makes all the difference. Even better is to couple it with a handwritten note!

So…. as we develop new habits this year please repeat after me:

1. I am so sorry;
2. Will you help me;
3. I am an idiot;
4. Thank you very much.

Make it a great December by ending the year in growth. Happy Holidays!!