I love it when people choose to tell the truth over looking good.
For example, when sharing his hobbies on his Linked In account a colleague listed his favorite activities: scuba diving, biking and ‘doing nothing’. Instead of listing things that make him appear like super man, he included the truth-that he likes to do nothing.
I can relate. I too like to 'do nothing'.
From the comments I get from friends and clients, I think they think I’m busy and bursting with energy all the time.
The truth is that because I take ‘do nothing‘ breaks, days and sometimes entire weekends, when I need them and without much guilt, I have what appears to be a lot of energy.
I know when a ‘do nothing’ break is needed when I start to feel overwhelmed, cranky, edgy or just bored. I try to catch the signs early or it gets really ugly! (Just ask my husband.)
When ‘do nothing’ time calls I try to find something that’ll allow me to put my brain on pause and rest.
Options can include: a nap, a walk with Oscar (my dog and office buddy), writing in my journal on my deck, shopping (when I really don’t need a thing) or sometimes reading mystery books and fitness magazines.
But my absolute favorite ‘do nothing’ activity is… now, don’t laugh…
Watching murder mystery reruns of homicide detective Columbo. Thanks to Costco (love that place) I’ve got every Columbo episode ever produced. I know it sounds so-not-hip and so old. But I love that Columbo's so unassuming, smart, crafty in a nice way AND he always figures out what happened.
Recently I had a need to ‘do nothing’ and even though Columbo is supposed to be a putting my busy=brain-on-pause activity, I found three communciation and leadership pearls of wisdom in his approach:
1) Stay close – He always gets to know and involves the suspect in solving the crime.
2) Ask questions and listen aggressively – He always seeks to understand by asking and listening, not by talking. He listens closely and observes every detail intently.
3) Stay neutral – When the suspect gets angry or defensive he remains calm and neutral in his responses.
These three attributes help Columbo solve every case AND can help leaders engage people, especially those who are unhappy or difficult. Often when difficulties with other people or situations occur we want to do two things:
1) Act like the problem doesn’t exist
2) Brand the perceived ‘troublemaker/suspect’ as bad and distance ourselves.
With these two normal and usual reactions, the problem doesn’t really ever go away, it just gets bigger.
Using Columbo wisdom, we can decide to not ignore disgruntled employees or customers. Instead we can choose to move toward the situation. We get can close by involving each person - asking questions, seeking to understanding, remaining neutral and non-defensive. With this approach we are likely to find answers.
One of the best ways to get opinions, perceptions and information from people is by conducting online surveys. Organizational climate, team effectiveness, 360 feedback, customer support and post training organizational support surveys help get honest feedback from people. This feedback can be the clues and insight you need for solving performance mysteries.
Online surveys provide a non-threatening venue for getting close. People can express and share their ideas and feelings within a lightly structured framework. For seven key steps an organization can take to ensure a successful survey experience and Must-Have Behaviors for High Performance Feedback, click here.
Hey wait a minute, my Colombo reruns just turned instructive, how did that happen? I guess I can still keep it as one of my favorite ‘do nothing’ activities and so can you. The next time you need a “do nothing’ break, try Columbo. If you’re like me you’ll find a laugh or two, be a little intrigued, really enjoy your ‘do nothing' break and you’ll see a pro demonstrate three key leadership and communication skills.
